George Amos Clark
November 28th, 2023
George Amos Clark died November 27th, 2023 surrounded by his family.
George was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Margaret Buckley. He is survived by his dog Sadie, son William Clark and his wife Stephanie Moody (Veronica and Jack), his daughters Beth Clark and her partner Chris Kennedy (Sloan and Bo),Tracy Clark (Nina and Christina), Kim Clark (Larissa) and his siblings Mary, Marg (Jim), Carolyn and Phil (Joan).
George was born on February 10th, 1947 in Goderich, Ontario. He spent his childhood and formative years helping run the family dairy farm. He attended elementary and high school in Goderich where he excelled in academics, as well as athletics (football, basketball, track and field), achieving the top male athlete of the year in his final year. He loved music and was a snare drummer in the Goderich Highland pipe band with his brother, Phil, playing the bagpipes. He attended the University of Waterloo where he received an undergrad in Psychology and spent weekends touring as the drummer in a band, the WinJammers, and their side act Miss Marguerite. His first child, Kim, was born to his first wife in 1969 while he attended a Diana Ross and the Supremes concert. Shortly after, he packed up his family and moved to Creighton, Saskatchewan to enjoy the nice weather and beautiful landscape surrounding the mine site.
In Creighton, he began working for the Government of Saskatchewan and welcomed his second child,Tracy into the world in 1971. The family moved back to Ottawa where George attended the University of Ottawa, achieving his Masters in Social Work. With degree in hand, it was time to head back to northern Saskatchewan where he started working in Corrections in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. There he met his second wife, Margaret, (likely at “The Zoo”), and tricked her into buying a cabin on a remote island. Little did she know he had successfully signed her up for a 40-year construction project (including letting Margaret paint the new outhouse to celebrate their honeymoon). That cabin in La Ronge was host to endless good times hanging out with Albert Bantle, Hugh Parsons, Jim and Donna Scarfe, Rod and Betty Spooner, Carol and Rick Spooner, Bill and Marlette McLaughlin, and Pat Davis and Betsy O’Brien.
After marrying Margaret at the La Ronge courthouse during the recess of a murder trial, he welcomed his third and fourth children, William and Beth. The family moved to Prince Albert when the children were young, but he found a way to spend every summer on the island in La Ronge. The family moved to Regina in 1995, where George finished out his 35-year career with the Saskatchewan Government. In his retirement, he took up odd jobs collecting samples from race horses (as George said, “catching horse piss”), driving a steam truck, getting his semi driver's license, driving the boat taxi for the Hunter Bay fishing lodge, and enjoying time with his grandchildren and beloved dog Sadie.
The last few years of George’s life were marred by the onset of dementia and the stress of caring for his wife as she declined with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Yet, he never lost the twinkle in his eye or his love of spending time with the wonderful friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances he made throughout the years. He was always more than happy to help out with a project, teach and spread his vast knowledge of mechanics and construction, and enjoy a delicious rum and coke or if it was the holidays, rum and eggnog. If George had an autobiography it would be a picture-filled instruction manual. He developed all his best relationships by helping, doing, and creating with those he loved. A celebration of life will be held with a few close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, take a trip up to northern Sask, grab a case of beer, and enjoy a day out in the boat. It will be just tickety boo.
Messages:
William and Beth and families Our sincerest condolences! We are thinking of all of you.
My deepest condolences to the Clark family. George was so kind and treated you like family from the get go. I remember staying with him and Peggy while waiting to move into my apartment in Regina. We talked about great music and I talked about my love for Fleetwood Mac. When I finally ended up moving, I found the Rumors record hidden in one of my packing boxes. The kindest gesture! Sending love and support to the Clark’s ❤️
Deepest sympathy to George’s family and friends. George was one of the hardest working and most devoted to the ideals of Saskatchewan Corrections. Corrections staff spoke very highly of George and his unique abilities to provide the right opportunities for offenders to pursue in their rehabilitation. I feel very fortunate to get to know George and that I had the pleasure to work with him. He will be missed. Kevin and Linda Kuntz
Mike has good memories of his time with Uncle George in La Ronge in the summer of 1980, running a small boat and trying to catch jackfish. He remembers the outhouse with picture windows providing a 360 degree view - it really was a "Throne!" Our condolences on the passing of Uncle George.
Condolences from my family and I to Beth and the entire Clark family ❤️
Beautiful obituary. What a full and interesting life he lived, just like his wife. Your parents were one of a kind. I'm so sorry for your loss, Beth and family. Thinking of you.
Dear Beth! I am so sorry to hear the news about Your father. You and Your family are in our thoughts. God bless You and take care. A lot of hugs! Ulf
Sending sincere condolences to the family! I met George many times as he was such a good friend to my aunt and uncle, Donna and Jim Scarfe. I remember George as the guy who could fix anything and who did it with such a calm and humorous attitude. Wishing everyone many wonderful memories as you think back on the times you spent with George.
What a beautiful expression of who your Dad was. I remember the fun Kim and I had at the cabin. George made it an adventure! He will be missed.
Will, Beth & Families, We are so thankful for meeting George, Peggy and you guys. It was through their generosity that we developed our love for the big lake. In addition, we truly appreciate George’s willingness to help out Jim and Donna. George was a man who always had a solution to any problem and a wonderful sense of humor. We will greatly miss him.
From early years on the farm, through high school and endless 'adventures' playing rock music around southern Ontario, George was one of our best friends. While post-secondary decisions set us in different directions, we were able to resume contact on several occasions. I know that Marg, Mary, Carolyn and Phil will hold so many loving memories.
Beth and family, our sincere condolences with the passing of you Dad. We are so sorry for your loss. Reach for memories that bring you love, warmth and happy times as you navigate this sad time.
Dear Beth, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only offer my condolences and this advice. You don't get over this. You get through it. Take care. James
Beth, I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. Please know you’re in my thoughts with hugs and hope for peace. Laura Les
George was always cheerful. I can hear his voice and see him tinkering away at one machine or another trying to fix it. He had a beer in hand, a bbq utensil in the other, and flip flops on. I am sorry for the loss of a dear family friend.
Love the story telling here. If only I got to my reporting job in La Ronge a little bit earlier I could have covered the murder trial mentioned above AND attended the wedding. It would have been perfect! George was a much loved and respected man in my house, and was your dear mother. My parents adored them and spent a lot of good times with them. George was so kind and loving with Joe and Sharon, as he was with just about everybody else he encountered in his life, I think. That's why his memory will live on and on.