| Clark - Milton Harold Clark, son, father, grandfather and friend. These are just some of the names this beloved man was called. Milton was born April 22, 1915, the fourth son and eighth child of Hiram and Julia Clark. He was born and raised on a farm seven miles north of Erskine. He was predeceased by his parents and all his four brothers and six sisters. His only surviving in-law is Vi Clark, the wife of his youngest brother Herbert. Grandpa leaves to mourn his wife of 62 years, Betty; five children, Kloudie Jennison, Terry Remfert, Pat Clark, Ted Clark and Sandy Wall; nine grandsons, three extended grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Grandpa loved the land. As a young man he farmed south of Stettler and then ventured north west of Edmonton to farm and operate a gas station at Wildwood. Being a man of adventure, Grandpa joined the Air Force during the Second World War. He served overseas, trained as a pilot and electrician. And there he earned the name of Sparky. He also met Betty Styles one evening when he was trying to catch an old hen at the pub. He often said he “let the young chick go and caught the old hen”. After a short courtship, Grandpa married Betty. During their honeymoon in London, they went to the fair. Grandpa displayed his shooting ability, and got three bulls-eyes out of four. The attendant was amazed, exclaiming “Blimey, who you got there, Sergeant York”, referring to the popular film at the time, Sergeant York. After returning to Canada in 1946, they lived for a short period of time in Stettler, where Grandpa built a small but comfortable 8 x 12 trailer home for his bride and himself. They then moved to Red Deer where Grandpa began welding and learned the blacksmith trade. After the arrival of two daughters, Kloudie and Terry. They decided in 1950 to go back to Grandpa’s birthplace, and once again Grandpa tried his hand at farming on the homestead at Erskine. Things were about to change. Over the next six years the family had an increase with the arrival of two boys, Pat and Ted. A serious back injury put an end to farm life as the family had known. Grandpa was no longer able to farm, and so secured a job as a road grader operator, which he did for a short period of time. And then began to work at Gleave Machine in Stettler. At this time, the youngest daughter Sandy arrived. In 1965, they decided to move to Coronation. Grandpa bought the blacksmith and welding shop and operated his own business “Milt’s Welding” until 1982, when he sold his business to his second son Ted. Upon retiring, Grandpa took a very active role in his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which he had joined in 1963. Grandpa and Grandma served for 18 months in India with Grandpa teaching welding at the local college. Some of Grandpa’s activities and interests were: being selected to represent the central Alberta zone in the 1949 Alberta bowling championship. He would tell of his perfect game: too bad it was in two games – the end of one and the beginning of another. He made 15 consecutive strikes! Grandpa was often called on to work on wooden chuckwagons as he was one of the last four remaining blacksmith’s shops in Alberta. In his youth he participated as a bronc rider, winning many events and receiving a saddle and chaps. He was an excellent card player. Crib, 500 and Bridge were only a few of the games he played and taught to his children. In later years, when he wasn’t reading, playing cards or Scrabble, he could be found at the senior’s centre dueling it out with Art Heidecker in floor curling. How do you tell a life history in a few short moments? It is impossible. But if each of us lived the example that Grandpa Clark lived, the world would be a better place. The funeral service to commemorate Milton’s life took place at the Coronation Community Centre, Coronation, Alberta on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 2 p.m. with President Steve Meyer conducting the service. Joe (Rodney) Franklin (grandson) gave the eulogy. Karen Meyer played for the congregational hymns, “I Need Thee Every Hour”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “How Great Thou Art” and “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”. Soloist, Linda Clark (daughter-in-law) sang “Daddy’s Hands”. The opening prayer was given by Miles Jennison (grandson) and Chris Clark (grandson) read a poem entitled “Grandpa”. Terry Remfert and Sandy Wall (daughters) shared a tribute in memory of their father. The spiritual message was given by Brother Riley Workman and the closing prayer was by Donny Jennison (grandson). Following the Legion Commemoration, Allan Zinger played the Last Post on the bugle. Honourary pallbearers were Ted Glazier, Dave Anderson, Ken Eklund, Vern Adams, Victor Barnard, Wilbur Barnard and the Legion Members. Active pallbearers were Milton’s grandsons, Clark Jennison, Josh Remfert, Miles Jennison, Chris Clark, Donny Jennison, Ben Clark, Wade Franklin, Mike Clark, Joe (Rodney) Franklin and Keith Laarhuis. The interment took place at the Coronation Cemetery. Following the interment, family and friends gathered at the Community Centre for a time of visiting and reminiscing. A beautiful lunch was prepared and served by the Golden Age Seniors Club and the Relief Society. In Milton’s honour, memorial contributions may be made to the Coronation Hospital Foundation (specifically for a blanket warmer) in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Cont’d from page 2 Box 35, Coronation, AB. T0C 1C0. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements. 1-888-578-2928. “Knowledge, Experience and Professionalism With A Personal Touch” Card Of Thanks |