05/28/2026
Clyde Grant Fong, incredible father, proud grandfather and smitten great grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026 at the age of 91 years surrounded by the people he loved most and whom he shared his happiest moments with. He lived a full life filled with love and generosity. He will be forever remembered.
Born in Toronto, Poppa/G-Poppa/Clydesdale/Clive as he was affectionately known, had a deep love for Scottish music having grown up adjacent to where the legendary 48 Highlanders Pipe Band practiced. This began his love for playing the tenor, snare drums and what everyone will remember most, the bag pipes. Clyde was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 87 pipe band and spent many hours volunteering in his spare time teaching young people how to play the bag pipes and drums. This time was recognized by receiving Legionnaire of the year in 2012 most notably for his time with the pipe band. What brought him the most joy was playing his bag pipes at many events from opening hockey games and curling events to birthday parties and funerals as well as what everyone will remember most, playing at Remembrance Day ceremonies clad only in his kilt in the most frigid weather. Clyde shared his love of his Scottish heritage with his family, spending many weekends at Highland Games and many road trips listening only to Scottish bagpipe Music. Despite our repeated efforts to convince him to visit Scotland, he declined, preferring to devote his time on the things and people he valued most.
Clyde was known as the fastest mailman in town, remembered for more than just his delivery route. Along the way, he was often welcomed with coffee, cookies, and friendly conversation. Children delighted in leaving surprises in their mailboxes just to see his reaction. He always took time to stop and chat with everyone who crossed his path; even if he sometimes forgot a name, he never forgot an address. Despite the extreme weather, he carried multiple mailbags and made sure every delivery was completed on time. After more than 30 years with the Post Office, he retired in 1989 and spent more years retired than working, enjoying his retirement to the fullest.
Clyde had a lifelong love for sports and was especially proud to participate in, coach, and cheer on his favorite teams and players. In his younger years, he enjoyed curling and fastball, and went on to coach the West End Bobcats women's softball team for many years. In later years, he became an avid fan of tennis and curling. He was a devoted fan of Serena Williams and was fortunate to attend several matches at the National Bank Open and cheer Serena on in person. Curling remained his favourite sport, and he rarely missed a game played by Rachel Homan and her team. He attended several matches in person and was thrilled to watch her win Olympic bronze this year. Among his most treasured possessions were his Team Homan hat and Rachel's book which was personally dedicated to him & autographed by Rachel.
Nothing brought Clyde more joy than supporting his grandchildren in their sports and activities. Poppa traveled across Ontario, Quebec, and USA to attend competitions and events, becoming a familiar face and making lifelong friends along the way. His first introduction to the sports world of his grandchildren was figure skating with Rebecca and Taylor. He attended countless competitions, test days and ice shows, proudly "skating" their programs from the stands and conducting along to the music. He celebrated every achievement and never missed a chance to brag about them. He later bought a camper and spent summers at Bee Happy Campground so the girls could continue training. Jakob and Nolan often joined him for adventures to Canada's Wonderland, Wasaga Beach, mini putt, bingo, fishing, frog catching, and feeding the horses. There was nothing Poppa wouldn't do for his grandchildren.
Poppa's next passion was snow cross racing with Jakob and Nolan. From the beginning, he proudly supported whichever team the boys raced for, always dressed in full team gear no matter the weather. From a bulky Skidoo pit coat with horns, Nolan's Phantom jacket, or the lighter Rockstar coat Jakob gave him, Poppa wore each one with pride — even in the coldest temperatures. No matter the race or class, Poppa was always trackside cheering the boys on and helping Chad work on the sleds whenever he could. After every race, he was quick to offer advice, encouragement, and congratulations. His support extended beyond Jakob and Nolan, and many racers and families appreciated both his enthusiasm and his thoughtful race-day analysis.
Hockey, which he shared with Nolan, became his final sport and may have brought Poppa his greatest joy. He became a familiar face at the rink, proudly supporting every team Nolan played for, especially the Puckhounds, always dressed in team gear and cheering loudly from the stands. Whether standing behind the bench, handing out fist bumps between periods, or sitting among opposing fans at away games, Poppa was always there supporting. He especially loved encouraging young athletes and had a soft spot for the Cree Nation Bears. Even through difficult losses, he remained positive and constantly reminded the team how proud he was of them. At a 2019 tournament in Quebec, the team invited Poppa into the dressing room for a pep talk before their game. After the game, they named Poppa MVP of the game and presented him with a medal and two team jerseys — a moment later featured on TSN/RDS that made him incredibly proud. His love of hockey continued with the New Liskeard Lions, New Liskeard Cubs, Kirkland Lake Gold Miners, and Midland Flyers. Poppa proudly wore gear for every team and continued cheering from the stands right up to the final playoff game he attended in March.
Poppa embraced becoming "G-Poppa" with great joy, earning the title of being a great grandfather twice in less than a month. From the beginning, he shared a special bond with Avery and Mya. He loved holding both of them when they were little; one in each arm, making silly faces to make them laugh, and later reading books, building towers, and joining in whatever games they wanted to play. He never missed a birthday, family gathering, or the annual Christmas Eve celebration complete with Santa and the infamous questionable gift exchange ("we**ie linguini" included). Poppa had already begun his next chapter as a proud supporter at Avery's hockey practices and Mya's swimming lessons, and he was excited for t-ball season this summer.
Clyde was a wonderful father to Traci and Chad and father-in-law to Jennifer — dependable, supportive, generous, and completely selfless. No matter what they needed, he was always there with a helping hand, steady advice, or words of encouragement. He worked hard to provide for his family and took great pride in everything his children accomplished. Along with his caring nature, Clyde was known for his quick wit and sense of humour, always ready with a joke, a story, or a comment that could make people laugh. Above all, he loved his family deeply, and that love was shown every day through his constant support, kindness, and unwavering presence in their lives. These qualities were reflected in the loving care Traci, Chad and Jennifer provided him in his final years.
Clyde treasured time with his family at their home on Prospect and at the cottage on Round Lake. He especially loved the cottage, where he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and boating on the lake. He enjoyed travelling with his family, initially expressing reluctance, but he was always happy to go along in the end, and those trips consistently ended with smiles and lasting memories shared with his family. More than anything, though, Clyde loved helping others. Whether it was shoveling snow, splitting wood, repairing roofs, building fences, cutting grass, or helping a neighbour move, he was always ready to lend a hand. He also loved animals and enjoyed taking his pets on long walks around the neighbourhood. In recent years, his loyal cat Lily became his constant companion, happiest curled up beside Poppa on the couch and always quick to let everyone know when he had been away too long.
He is preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents Catherine and Yuen Fong, siblings and in laws: Sue and husband Bill Needham, Al Fong, Barry Fong, Holly and husband John Walton, Vicky and husband Harvey Cadieux, Tootsie and husband Jack Brown and Raymond Gordon.
He is survived by his children, Traci Fong, Chad Fong & Jennifer Rosko-Fong; his grandchildren, Rebecca & Jeffrey Larose, Taylor Rosko-Fong & Adam Gavin, Jakob Rosko-Fong & Hannah Chartrand and Nolan Rosko-Fong and his great-grandchildren Avery Gavin and Mya Larose.
He also leaves behind his siblings and in-laws: Raymonde Fong, Heather Gordon, Bingo and wife Stephanie Fong, Sheila and Syd Palmer, Denise Fong, Joe and Debby Fong, Archie and Rosemary Fong as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family is deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to Clyde during his final day. We sincerely thank Julie, Brianna, Dr. Beckett, Dr. Spiller, Erica, Mike, Jessica, Hailey and Andrea for the care and support they provided.
Clyde's family will receive relatives and friends at 13 Proposal Point Road in Kenogami on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. Please come prepared to share your favourite "Poppa" story or memory. Casual attire is requested and guests are asked to bring a chair.
Directions: Turn onto Grenfell Road (just north of McPhersons general store). Follow Grenfell Road until you reach Grenfell Extension. Follow Grenfell extension. When you arrive at the intersection, keep left to continue onto Grenfell Extension. Continue down the hill to Proposal Road, where you will turn right. 13 Proposal Rd will be on the left-hand side of the road. Balloon markers will be placed along the route to help guide you.
Dad/Poppa/G-poppa, we will miss you deeply. Your support, generosity and quiet but witty presence will remain with us always. The pipes are calling you home, and we know you are going with peace and pride.
Clyde's final care has been entrusted to the Buffam Leveille funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Christmas Wish Youth Sports Sponsorship Condolences at www.cjklfm.com/shop. Condolences and tributes can be shared at www.buffamleveille.com
