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Community members in Barrhaven honoured the crossing guard who was killed in a recent hit and run with a vigil on Sunday, remembering Peter Clark as a friendly presence devoted to keeping children safe.
Clark’s wife Amanda addressed the gathering at Weybridge Park, remembering her husband as “the crossing guard with a friendly smile.”
“He understood he was a part of your community and he wanted to do his best in making you all safe and happy,” she told the gathered crowd of school staff, students, family and crossing guards.
“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.”
School staff, students, family and fellow crossing guards paid tribute to Peter Clark at a vigil in Barrhaven on May 3, 2026. Clark was on duty near Mary Honeywell Elementary School in March when he was killed in a hit and run incident. (Nathan Fung/CBC)
Clark was struck by a vehicle while on duty at the intersection of Cedarview Road and Kennevale Drive near Mary Honeywell Elementary School on the morning of March 23. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Police later arrested Xzander Wright, 19. He has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death but pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene. He remains innocent until proven guilty.
Job helped build his confidence
Standing at a table adorned with photos, flowers and a handheld stop sign, speakers recalled Clark’s commitment to his job and his friendly smile.
Clark loved children and referred to the students he helped get to school as “his kids,” Amanda Clark recalled.
He had lived with social anxiety disorder and his work as a crossing guard enabled him to interact with others, his wife recalled.
“His brief encounters with you, the members of this community, were helping him to build his confidence and I will forever be grateful to you all,” she said.
‘I’ve always been proud of you, Peter, and now the world is showing it too,’ Clark’s wife Amanda said of the vigil’s turnout. (Nathan Fung/CBC)
Clark was a humble person who derived great satisfaction from his work as a crossing guard, Amanda Clark said, recounting a text message he sent her on the last day of school last year.
“I actually shed a couple of tears at shift today. Good thing I left my sunglasses on. Didn’t expect parents or kids to thank or acknowledge me. Felt wrong, like I didn’t deserve it,” the text read.
Joanne Salvatore, a crossing guard in Ottawa who attended the vigil, said Clark’s death has had a big impact on the community.
“You shouldn’t be losing your life over something like this,” Salvatore told CBC. “I wish people would just slow down, obey the stop signs and proceed with caution. These are small kids and we want everybody to stay safe.”
A memorial display in honour of Clark at the vigil. (Nathan Fung/CBC)
Phil Burton, a crossing guard in Orléans, said he was attending the vigil to show support to Clark’s loved ones and to highlight the need for greater road safety.
“The family are not alone … we are all with them,” he said.
Clark would have been overwhelmed by the turnout on Sunday, his wife said.
“I’ve always been proud of you, Peter, and now the world is showing it too,” Amanda Clark said. “You do deserve this recognition.”