Dozens attend vigil held for crossing guard killed in Barrhaven
Posted May 4, 2026 03:14:29 PM.
Last Updated May 4, 2026 03:14:39 PM.
He’s remembered as the “crossing guard with the friendly smile,” the one who showed up to make sure students go to school safely every day.
People gathered in Barrhaven on May 3 to honour the life and legacy of Peter Clark, who was killed while on duty. He was struck in a hit-and-run by a vehicle, where a 19-year-old is facing charges.
Clark was the guard for Mary Honeywell Public School, and the vigil was attended by many in the community. The story of his death shocked people across the nation’s capital.
“For him, this was more than a job. It was a chance for him to connect with others in a way that made him feel like he was a part of something,” Amanda Clark, Peter’s wife, said in a speech at the vigil.
She shared that Peter lived with social anxiety disorder, making it hard to interact with people in many social situations. But it was different while working with caregivers and children.
Amanda said that through the brief interactions with the community, it was helping Peter build his confidence.
“Peter was probably the most humble person you could ever meet. He literally had no ego whatsoever,” Amanda said. “He would be overwhelmed with all of this and still think he didn’t deserve it.”
In one story, Peter texted Amanda on the last day of school in 2025, saying that after his shift, he was shedding a few tears. He said he didn’t expect parents or children to thank or acknowledge him.
“He always let others have the spotlight and was so happy just to support us and be proud of us,” Amanda said.
