Waldner, Clarence Eugene
Clarence Eugene Waldner
Clarence Eugene Waldner, aged 94 years of Moose Jaw, SK passed away on Saturday, October 6th, 2018. Clarence was born on the farm homestead of his parents Paul and Sarah Waldner near Notukeu Creek in January 1924. He was the youngest of eleven children, seven who survived, four who passed away in infancy. He attended Arnold School from 1931-1938 during the depression. At the age of 15 Clarence worked for an uncle and neighbouring farmers. In the fall of 1941 he and his sister Sarah headed to Toronto for work. Former friends lived two blocks from Maple Leaf Gardens and he rarely missed a Saturday game. He saw the Leafs win the cup in 1942, a big thrill in those days!!! After trying mink ranching, trucking gravel, and moving oil rigs, Clarence finally settled down to farming in the Vanguard and Glen Bain district in 1959. He had a serious accident while working as a machine operator with the CPR and could have lost both legs, even his life. He felt he had enough of the working world and decided to go into full-time farming and business for himself. Clarence and his brother Harold started an American Motors Dealership in Moose Jaw in 1967. They sold in 1970 due to Harold’s untimely death. After trading some land to a mechanic for a house in Moose Jaw, a new venture began in the real estate rental business that increased to eighteen properties. In 1973 Clarence married Doris Hayes. He inherited a son John, who married Celia, and became a grandfather to three boys. In 1980 he sold his farm at Glen Bain and decided to retire at age 57. Clarence dabbled in the stock market and it became a full time hobby. As well, he became a crop insurance adjuster during the summer and a taxi driver in the winter. Clarence and Doris enjoyed summer travelling and visiting the grandchildren in Edmonton, as well as seeing others. He was also a member of the volunteer drivers who chauffeured patients to Regina and Saskatoon Hospitals. Clarence and Doris attended the Free Methodist Church and had good friends there. Doris passed away on June 19th, 2005 and this left Clarence lonely, however he read lots as he always did, watched hockey on TV, as well as many Christian programs when he couldn’t go to church. Clarence sold his home and moved to Pioneer Lodge, where he spent several years enjoying visiting with his friends there. When poor health set in he moved to the Pioneer Nursing Home where he received excellent care until he passed away. Clarence leaves to morn: Celia Hayes, grandsons: Nick, Aaron and Terence; eleven nieces and two nephews; as well as many friends. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 18th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Barry Taylor will officiate and interment will take place in Sunset Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Surtees Funeral Director 306-693-4550
As I write, those who love & can are attending Uncle Clarence’s funeral.
He is the last of my Uncles. He was the younger brother to my Dad – Harold.
As a young girl the memories I have of him are:
> teasing me.
>he always had black licorice for me.
>he had a wine coloured “karmann ghia” – a sports car.
>he spent many a Saturday evening with all of us watching Hockey Night in Canada. (not too thrilling for a young girl)
>he read me stories from the Star Weekly – some rather scary!
>he was the elusive, mysterious bachelor who came and went.
As I grew up and left home and married, he was keenly interested in where we were traveling and asking about the boys. Why don’t you buy my Texas property – he would say!
He was a sweet Uncle and will be missed.
Always, Beverly and family