Clark, Leslie Myron “Jim” peacefully passed away at Vulcan, Alberta June 12, 1995 at the age of 81 Years.
Jim was born on a farm at Lake City, Iowa, on January 16, 1914. He lived there with his sister, Joyce, and parents, Ross and Alice, until 1919, when they moved to Vulcan for one year. In the winter of 1920 they moved back to Lake City, and lived there until 1923. On December 11, 1928 they arrived on the Forrester homestead farm west of Vulcan, and lived there until retirement.
Jim attended school at Boyne School until Grade 6 or 7 then the Vulcan School. He attended Olds College for three years, graduating in 1934. While at Olds, Jim seemed to be involved in every sport: wrestling, basketball, and hockey. His sons question when he had time to attend classes.
Jim married Helen Elaine Simington July 19, 1937, and fathered two sons, Dale and David. For many years the family lived and worked on the farm during from spring to fall, then moved to town for the winter month. During this time, Jim worked at various jobs, He learned meat cutting from Uncle Bob Simington at the Central Meat Market, and later worked cutting meat at the Red and White store and then for County Abattoir with Roger Middleton. Known to be a meat carver extraordinaire, Jim was an artist at carving turkey, roast, and ham. Well into his seventies, Jim still helped Gary Pepper by slicing meat for catered events and at the curling and golf concessions. Jim also was iceman, both at the old and new curling rinks, and was one of the volunteers putting artificial ice in the old rink and building the new one.
Beginning farming with his father, driving teams of horses and working with threshing crews to harvest the grain, Jim experienced the evolution of horse power from six live horses to 235 horsepower four-wheel drive tractors. Though he could have told many stories about the good old days, Jim frankly stated that he had no regrets seeing the last horse go down the road. Caution and common sense guided Jim, and his sons and neighbors respected him as an excellent farmer.
The third generation on the farm west of Vulcan, Jim always was an active community member, particularly in sports. He was an excellent goalie, and played for the Vulcan team for several seasons, and carried the scars on his face for the rest of his life. His goalie mask wasn’t removable! Second base was his position on the baseball team for many years. Curling became his winter sport preference, and he played on many winning teams. His team won the Dominion Legion curling championship at Edmonton in 1952. He skipped a team with Connie Osterman and her husband to first place in the Farmers Spiel, 1956. When David was in his teens, Jim played third for him and his friends. They took many a licking, but had a great time. Jim always stressed good sportsmanship, and modelled it. Jim was made life member of the Vulcan Curling Club. Fishing was a life long passion for Jim. Friends and family have many memories of fishing trips back in the hills. He had favorite fishing holes on every stream in the Kananaskis, and foothills. Brother-in-law Cliff McAskile was a constant companion, and the rivalry was great. Joyce would pack a lunch, and the two would be off for the day. After two-way radios became part of the farm equipment, Jim would call Edna reporting, “Here we are on top of the Hump (west of Nanton), sipping milk shakes and enjoying the view.” For many years Middletons, Atkinsons, Fletchers and McAskiles would drive back to the Highwood, or other favorite spots and spend the day fly-fishing and picnicking. Dale and David share some good stories about floating the Bow in Roger Middleton’s boat, with their dad, Uncle Cliff Chester Rae, and Scotts. In later years, he took pleasure in fishing at the Vulcan reservoir. Bird hunting was another passion of Jim’s. He always had an English setter to hunt upland birds, (and generally spoil). He enjoyed hunting with his sons and friends, and knew where in the neighborhood to find the birds. In his later years, Jim became an avid golfer, and spent many hours on the golf course. He helped organize Seniors golf, and participated in many tournaments. His idea of exercise was to walk from his golf cart to the ball – a matter of steps! He really encouraged others to enjoy the sport with him, and patiently taught grandchildren, and friends. His golf tips are still remembered, especially “Keep your head down!”
Very much a people person, Jim was gifted with the ability to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, and in five minutes be a firm friend. In Vulcan, Jim made a daily round of the coffee shops, and visited for hours with old friends and new. He continued this daily habit no matter where he was – in the Shuswap with Dale’s family, California and Hawaii with David’s family, or on tours to Ontario and other provinces. Jim always found a local coffee shop, and boon companions to visit with. Jim was a caring and generous friend to a wide variety of people – all ages and occupations. He continued to enjoy outings and social gatherings his entire life, still attending oyster feeds and wheelchair dances. He was involved with the community as a member of AM and FM Masonic Lodge, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #121, Vulcan Royal Canadian Legion #21, Vulcan Fish and Game, the Vulcan Curling Club, and Vulcan Golf Club. He was a member of the Anglican church.
Jim was especially fond of children, and took great pride and pleasure in his grandchildren, Jim, Lorna, Brett, Kevin, Irene, Brian, Christine and Michael. He would babysit Brian and Christine – but never together. They were like cat and dog! He humorously refused to take Mike – “Only his mother can understand him.” The only phrase Jim could clearly hear from young Mike was at the harvest meals in the field – “More pie please!” Most of Jim’s vacations were spent with his family – going with them to Shuswap, Vancouver, Victoria, Expo 86, Disneyland, Hawaii, and to visit them in their
homes. He also had “adopted” grandchildren in town – when Leungs moved to Vulcan, Angie and Beatrice sat on his knee teaching him Chinese phrases, and the Hervey children were special to him. In recent years, his great-grandchildren Sarah and Mathew were a source of pride and joy.
After Helen passed away in 1977, Jim retired to his house in Vulcan, taking great pride in his apple trees and yard. Poor health necessitated a move to Peter Dawson Lodge in December 1990, then to Extendicare in July, 1992. Jim continued to be an active part of his environment, serving as secretary on the Extendicare Residents council.
Jim is survived by his two sons, Dale (Janet) of Balzac, and David (Edna) of Vulcan, nine grandchildren Jim, Lorna, Brett, Kevin, Irene, Brian, Christine and Michael, two great grandchildren Sarah, and Mathew, a sister Lillian Williams of Trail, B.C., three nephews and a niece. He will be remembered by a legion of friends.
Jim was predeceased by his wife Helen, a sister Joyce McAskile and his parents Ross and Alice Clark.
Funeral Service Saturday, June 17, 1995 at 11 a.m. at Vulcan United Church with Rev. Cannon Don Binney and Pastor Keith Blackmore officiating. Inurnment Vulcan Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers, if friends so desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta 1825 Park Rd. S.E. Calgary, T2G 3Y6.
Vulcan Funeral Home, Directors. Telephone 485-2633.