RAYMOND CLARK

1912 - 2001

Raymond Brewster Clark, beloved husband of Jean Clark of Burdett, passed away suddenly at his home in Burdett on Saturday, September 22, 2001 at the age of 89 years.
Raymond is survived by Jean, his loving wife of 67 years. He is also survived by his two children Audrey (David) White of Burdett and Elaine (Fred) Nordby of Red Deer; eight grandchildren Terry (Debbie), Natalie (Dale), Donna (Cliff), Robin (Sheila), Darcy (Lana), Kirsten, Carla, Erik (Anita) and granddaughter-in-law Gail. Raymond is also survived by fifteen great grandchildren and sisters-in-law Jenny Johnson and Flora Hunter. He will be remembered by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Raymond was predeceased by his parents, John and Grace Clark, sister Mildred Poole, grandson Dennis Lane and brothers-in-law William Poole, Johnny Johnson, Harry Hunter, John Neil and sister-in-law Helen Neil.
Raymond was born in Burdett on February 28, 1912 and lived his entire life in the Burdett area. He attended Rockford and Burdett schools and then went to Claresholm Agricultural College. He married Jean Neil of Burdett in 1934. He farmed with his father until 1934 when he branched out into sheep ranching. He later switched to cattle ranching as well as continuing to farm. He also managed the Atlas Lumber outlet for a few years and was the International Harvester dealer from 1947 to 1982.
His interests in community service began in 1949 when he became councilor on the Bow Island Municipal Council. He was Reeve from 1950 - 1953. He was a Burdett Village councilor from 1957 - 1986 and 1992 - 1995. He was Mayor of Burdett for twenty six years during this period.
He was involved in the formation of the Southern Alberta Homes Association and continued to be active in the local and the Alberta Provincial Homes Association (APHA) from 1959 - 1995 and held the position of Vice President of APHA from 1966 - 1975 and chairman from 1975 - 1981 as well as chairman of the local Pleasant View Lodge from 1964 - 1995.
Raymond was very conscious of volunteering in his community. He was chairman of the building committees for both the Burdett United Church and the Burdett Centennial Hall. He was chairman of the Burdett Cemetery Committee for 29 years. His interests in sports included baseball, badminton, curling and golf when he was younger. He also coached a Junior baseball team. Later he sponsored a ladies slow pitch team, the Clark’s Rays, which won three provincial championships. He has served as Secretary Treasurer of the Bow Island Grazing Association (Co-op) for thirty three years.
In the field of education he was a School Trustee from 1955 - 1989 and served on the executive of the Alberta School Trustees Association for fifteen years. He was also chairman of the Southern Alberta School Authorities from 1970 - 1989.
In 1976 Raymond received a Long Service Award for twenty one years of service to Education. In 1981 Premier Lougheed presented him with the Alberta Achievement Award. He was made a Life Member of the ASTA in 1972. Over the years he has received many awards for his numerous contributions to improve life in his community and province.
Raymond will be missed by his constant companion and pet, Buddy the cat, who could get away with many infractions not allowed his human associates.
The Funeral Service was held at the Christian Community Church, Burdett on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Dan Nicholson and Reverend Norman Smith officiating. Burial followed in the Burdett Community Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to one of Raymond’s special interests, the Burdett Cemetery Fund, Box 92, Burdett, Alberta TOK OJ0 or to the charity of your choice.