Vitthale Clair (formally Robert Eugene Clair), 91, of Powell River, British Columbia, passed away peacefully in the night on June 29, 2024.
Vitthale was born to Theodore and Winnifred Clair (née Hutchings) on December 19, 1932, in Whitelaw, Alberta, on his family’s homestead. However, the family returned to Vancouver, BC, shortly after.
After graduating from Vancouver Technical Secondary School, he started his career in forestry. He fondly recounted memories of time spent in logging camps from a young age and ultimately worked his way up through the sawmills and various roles in industry to become a union executive for the International Woodworkers of America.
When the opportunity arose to take a post abroad teaching journalism in East Africa in 1972, he embraced it. He spent two years teaching English journalism at a technical college in Tanzania and took advantage of the opportunity to take in the wonders of the Serengeti desert and learn about the local culture and language. It was during this time that he began his exploration of Hatha Yoga, which would grow to become a dedication that informed the rest of his life.
Upon returning to Canada, he embarked on a quieter existence in the interior of BC and the west coast. He lived on Salt Spring Island for many years near several of his children until the 1990s, when he returned to his hometown of Vancouver and took up driving for BC Transit.
He visited Ganeshpuri, India, where he immersed himself in the ashram experience before finally returning to his passion for the quieter life near nature and retiring in Powell River, BC. This is where he met Clare, his partner of 25 years.
Woven throughout all of his life’s adventures, his love of music and family was ever present. Vitthale’s gregarious and loving spirit is carried on by his partner Clare; daughters Christine (Bill) Clair-Rein, Vivian (Ian) Clair, Serena (Dewi) Wood, Janel (Gaillen) Tiernan, Rachel (Duane) Veinotte and Celeste Knapper; along with grandchildren Kathleen, Kevin, Alisha, Charlene, Ethan, Denise, Adam, Mathew, Aubrey, Chantel, Aria, Jenae and Tanner; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as many more nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Preceding him were his parents Theodore and Winnifred Clair; his siblings Ted (Lil) Clair, Gloria (Bill) Soroka and Betty (Andy) Anderson; children Rebecca, Jeff, Mark, Anthony and Lisa; and his grandson Thomas.
As a longtime resident of Powell River, Vitthale was known for his youthfulness and ability to foster heartfelt connection. Although the feats in his adventures simmered down as he lived into his 90s, he remained steadfast in his spiritual practice, demonstrated resilience in the face of hardship and continued to grow in his humility, staying true to the intrinsic loving and free spirit that he was. He will be truly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at The ARC Community Event Centre in Powell River on August 31, 2024, at 2 pm.
