Obituary
It is with profound sorrow that the family of Darrel Jess Clark announce his passing on July 1, 2022 at the age of 80 years. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His kindness, thoughtfulness, fortitude, high work ethic and dedication made him a man to be admired and loved.
Darrel was born in Pincher Creek, AB on November 15, 1941 to proud parents, Bernice and Jess Clark – a brother for his sister, Vivian. Eventually, the family moved to Bowness where Darrel took most of his schooling. He joined the reserve army and was honorably discharged when his father became ill. After his father’s death, Darrel and his mom moved to the Crowsnest Pass, AB where he met his future wife, Shirley Pagnucco. They were married on December 28, 1964 and remained in the Pass ever since. They had one son, Troy Jess Clark who became an accomplished landscaper and ran his own business until his death on August 18, 2017.
Darrel joined the Bellevue Fire Department in 1974 and became Fire Chief in 1987. He was there for twenty-two years attending structure fires, traffic accidents, carrying out fire inspections in Ward III, aiding in the building of the Firemen’s Park in Bellevue, plus assisting in many other related endeavours. Through the volunteer firefighters program, Darrel gained much experience and knowledge in firefighting and in operating the required equipment.
At first, Darrel was a construction worker and found employment all over Alberta. For a time he was a bartender at the Bellevue Inn and also at the Hillcrest Miners’ Club. Then he got a job at the Blairmore Liquor Store working for the Alberta Liquor Control Board. Joe Bodio came along and snatched Darrel up, so for the next twelve years he was employed by Bodio Oil and Gas Ltd. When the bulk plant closed, Darrel was hired by the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass. He started in the Blairmore arena, but eventually his extensive background in operating all types of snow-removal and heavy equipment led to him becoming a Lead Hand/Truck Driver/Equipment Operator until he retired in 2004. Although retired, he spent many a day helping Troy with his business. Darrel was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed it.
Darrel was a member of the Bellevue Legion Branch No. 19. In 1987 he became the first Vice-president. He joined Sentinel Lodge No. 26 and was Secretary-Treasurer for a number of years. From 1993-1994 he was the District Deputy Grand Master for the Three Rivers District. Darrel considered it an honor and a privilege to present four higher education bursary cheques; two going to Cardston and two to youth in the Crowsnest Pass. He was also a Shriner and took part in a number of parades with either the Shrine cars or the Shrine bus which he drove to Lethbridge and entered in the parade there.
Darrel cherished his family and home life. He was happiest when his son and grandchildren were near. Among his favorite pastimes were reading westerns, working in the yard, camping, woodworking, tinkering on his vehicles, fishing, attending Lodge and having a brew with his buddies. Darrel could talk about almost any topic and would surprise you with the depth of his knowledge. He was a great storyteller. Many a time listeners would roar with laughter because Darrel wouldn’t just tell a story, he would fill it with dynamic expressions and, to go along with them, a whole lot of colorful language. Darrel will be dearly missed by all who loved him. Cherished forever will be his smile, laughter, sense of humor and his kindness.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Shirley; his grandchildren, Bradley (Mallory) Berteotti and family and Abreanna Clark, Kevin, and the Dow family; his sister, Vivian McLeod; his nephew, Ross (Susan) McLeod and families; his niece, Lori (Wayne) Peters and families; his brothers-in-law, Donald Pagnucco and family, Rudy (Davina) Pagnucco and family and Ken (Debbie) Pagnucco and family; as well as treasured friends, Tom (Sharon) Janiga and families and Raymond Stella, as well as numerous extended family and friends.
The Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the Bellevue Legion (2401 – 213 Street, Bellevue, AB). As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Darrel Jess Clark November 15 1941 July 1 2022 (age 80)..
Death notice for the town of: Blairmore, Province: Alberta