Donna Clare, born Irene Amelia Gibbons in 1938 passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the age of 86. She was not only the beloved wife of John Clare and mom to three kids but also the backbone of their family business, Clare’s Cycle and Sports. (Main picture, Donna and John Clare)
From Clare’s Cycle and Sports’ inception in 1955 on Highway 20 in Fenwick, Donna was deeply involved in the operations of the motorcycle shop and was John’s biggest cheerleader, embracing entrepreneurship as a team sport.
Below, Donna poses in front of Clare’s in the early days (1958)
In a 2018 interview when we chatted with Donna she reminisced about the early days and being up for the challenge even though she wasn’t sure what she was getting into.
“When I met him (John Clare), I knew he had started a business, I knew he had motorcycles and stuff and he raced them, so I just kind of went along with it. When it first got going there were lots of challenges…is it going to work we’d ask ourselves?
But I remember one day he said to me in ‘65 do I get into motorcycles full time? And I said well, you can’t do 2 things so we decided he would do it full time. We lived upstairs, above the Original Clare’s Cycle on Hwy 20 with the kids and we wanted to spend time with them, so from there everything just really worked and now we are in the building with 23 additions on it!”
Donna took immense pride in seeing Clare’s Cycle and Sports not only flourish but also blossom into a family-run enterprise. Today, the business has expanded to include Clare’s Harley Davidson of Niagara, with the extended family continuing to embrace and support its growth.
Above, from left Robin, Randy, Lord Mayor, Donna & John Clare at 2008 ribbon cutting for Clare’s Harley Davidson in N-O-T-L
A Life of Adventrue
It was hard not to get a sense from Donna that her ability to go with the flow was a formidable character trait that made lots of things “work”. From that time she put off her Honeymoon for a week to hit the last of the Daytona Beach Races with her man to the day-to-day activities that became part of her role in supporting him in life and business.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a routine in my marriage,” said Donna. “It was always let’s go here, let’s do this and when it came to the business side of things it was always – Donna can you do this and Donna can you do that… and Donna did it!”
This she did even at a time when motorcycle culture was a little rough around the edges, Said Donna: “In my day you got ostracized for even sitting on the back for crying out loud.”
Above, Donna loved riding with her husband everywhere
As the business flourished Donna loved the unique adventures that resulted. She recalled the beginning days and excitement:
“When John took on Yamaha in ’64 he became the largest volume dealer in Canada by 65 and the next thing I knew he won a trip to Japan. After that we won about 5 more trips there and I got to join along and they were fantastic. It was amazing you know, people didn’t fly and travel like they do now and for 2 kids from around here to do that it was really something!”
Donna’s dedication and hard work were pivotal in transforming Clare’s Cycle into a well-respected name in the community .
Above: John & Donna Clare celebrating 50 Years in business.
Above, a Clare’s Spring Open House 2018
Cherished Family Moments
Donna’s life was rich with cherished family moments. She and John raised three children—Randy, Robin, and Mary Kay—in a home filled with love and laughter. Summers at the family cottage on Lake Erie and winters spent at their home in Myrtle Beach were highlights of their family life. Donna was also a loving grandmother to Martha, Taylor, Cooper, and Clare, and she took immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome, where family and friends gathered to create lasting memories.
Above: The Clare’s – Darren, Randy, Donna, John.
Community Involvement
Donna was not only dedicated to her family and business but also to her community. She was an active member of the Fenwick Lioness Club, where she formed lifelong friendships and contributed to various community initiatives. Her involvement in the club was a reflection of her generous spirit and her desire to make a positive impact on those around her.
A Legacy of Kindness and Compassion
Donna’s kindness and compassion touched many lives. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Her life was a beautiful journey filled with love, adventure, and unwavering support for her family and community. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her.
Below, John and Donna pose for a 2018 picture together, partners in life and business for over half a century with third generation family now involved in the company they built together.
ABOUT CLARE’S
A family owned business for over 60 years, CLARE’S Cycle & Sports Ltd. began as a small shop in Welland, Ontario, Canada in 1954 where John Clare was the sole proprietor and eventually moved to Fenwick where over the years it has grown to be the large and successful business that it is today.
Over the years CLARE’S has added many brands to the dealership. Currently, Clare’s supplies sales, service, parts and accessories to Harley-Davidson®, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki & KTM lines lines to the dealership and in 2008 CLARE’S Harley-Davidson® of Niagara came into being at 590 York Rd Niagara on the Lake.
CLARE’S Cycle & Sports Ltd. & CLARE’S Harley-Davidson® of Niagara have established themselves as one of the premiere motorcycle dealers in Ontario.
CLARE’S Harley-Davidson® of Niagara
590 York Road
Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S1J0
Phone: 905-684-4647
Website: www.claresharleydavidson.com
