Clair Shank would like to advise everyone that his work here is done.
On Friday, January 31, 2020, Clarence ‘Clair’ Rosario Shank took a call from a higher power to travel to an urgent appointment from which he will not be returning. He was sitting in his favorite chair watching the news at the Rocky View Lodge in Crossfield, Alberta when the call came in. As Clair was mostly deaf, his were the only ears the call was for. We know he is delighted to trade in his Alberta Government pension for a reunion with the absolute love of his life, Rosalind ‘Rose’ Shank (nee Benz).
Clair was born in Athabasca, Alberta on April 16, 1930, and was the youngest child of Eddie Gideon Shank and Rosanna Goulet. He married Rose in 1952, with whom he enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Clair was keenly intelligent and was generous with his time, knowledge, resources, and love. He was exceedingly proud of his family; and remained an active father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A study in contradictions, Clair enjoyed fishing, but didn’t eat fish; chose to live by the lake, but couldn’t swim; taught theology, but was conflicted; was outwardly gregarious, but naturally shy. He encouraged everyone to plan for tomorrow, but live for today.
Clarence will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters, Roxanne Shank (Murray Kammer) of Egbert, Ontario; and Calla Shank-Hogue (Mike Magnus) of Greenwich, Nova Scotia; and his son, Meritt (Shelley) Shank of Airdrie; as well as the gifts of his six grandchildren: Forrest Kammer, Rheiner Kammer, Skye Shank, Chad Shank, Jasper Hogue, and Zoe Hogue; and three great grandchildren: Kaleb Shank, Addisyn Shank, and Mason Shank; in addition to many nieces, nephews, and friends. Clarence rejoins his parents, wife, twelve siblings, and his son-in-law.
A Public Graveside Service in Celebration of Clarence’s Life will be held at the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey, Alberta on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Sonja McAlpin, Life Celebrant. A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Rimbey. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Clarence’s Memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 (www.cancer.ca); or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, #202, 5913 – 50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4C4 (www.heartandstroke.ca). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Clarence ‘Clair’ Rosario Shank entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.
