WESTLOCK – The flags in Westlock were lowered on Thursday, Dec. 12 in honour and respect for family and friends of Clem Fagnan who passed away that day after a brief battle with cancer.
Fagnan was known for his quick smile, his sense of humour, his graciousness and dedication.
Fagnan cherished all that life had to offer, living a life in service of the community and the people in it, and served on town council for 24 years over four decades. served as a town councillor from 1983 to 1986, 1989 to 1990, 1998 to 2004 and 2010 to 2021. Fagnan also let his name stand twice for mayor, in 1986 and 2004.
“Clem was the consummate councillor. He often said that your community is what you make of it," said former mayor of Westlock Ralph Leriger.
“As the oldest member of the councils I served with, I was never surprised when he asked about the future and would say ‘What about our grandchildren, Ralph?'"
Lergier said Fagnan's legacy to the community of Westlock is significant.
Fagnan's accomplishments included sewer system upgrades, the formation of the water commission, seniors housing, and the formation of Homeland Housing.
“I'm a community minded person so whatever needs to be done, if I can help out, I do. I've always been about making Westlock a better place," Fagnan told the Westlock News in 2021.
Coun. David Truckey said Fagnan was a community titan.
"He was involved in many organizations and always doing what was best for the community. His passing leaves a void that won’t be soon filled.”
“He always had the community on his mind, and I think we should all toast Clem when you have the chance because he was a heck of a guy.”
Fagnan was honoured with the 2021 Alberta Municipalities’ Distinguished Service Award.
His comment to the Westlock News at the time was that he missed the calls from residents about when their streets would be cleared of snow in a joking manner.
He went on to serve as an Evergreen Catholic School Division trustee for Westlock, elected after his retirement from council in 2021.
“A man of deep faith and abiding joy, Clem was a champion of bringing families and children back to the Church, nurturing a profound love for the parish in Westlock,” stated the Evergreen Catholic School.
“His commitment to gospel values and his inspiring vision for a faith-filled future for our students leaves a lasting legacy.”
As a generous humanitarian, Fagnan was a volunteer Westlock firefighter, belonged to the Knights of Columbus, including a few turns as Grand Knight, and the Westlock Rotary Club.
He was also a sports enthusiast, playing senior hockey when he moved to town.
He kept busy volunteering in hockey and ball, supporting youngsters to the Red Lions and Westlock Eagles.
He married his wife Gloria in 1968 and moved to Westlock from Vimy in 1969.
“The one important fundamental was that Gloria, his wife, and his family always stood behind Clem," said Truckey. “They were in his corner when he was out in the community whether it was on the fire department, on council, or volunteering with minor hockey.
“Gloria certainly deserves high praise for all her years of dedication to the community as well because she was the spouse in the background looking after everything else.”
They raised three children together while Fagnan worked around town.
His first job was putting together machinery for Albert Miller, and he did everything from run a backhoe company to being a realtor, he told the Westlock News.
