Chris Clark

November 21, 1931 - October 22, 2013

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Christine Ann Clark on October 22, 2013. Although unexpected, Chris died peacefully while sitting in her chair with her feet up, book and tea by her side with the CBC radio on.

Chris was born November 21, 1931 at the Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, the second daughter of Alec and Martha Clark. Early years for the family on the farm at Spruce Home were hard because of the depression but Chris had many good memories of her childhood and probably developed her work ethic in these times.

Chris excelled at her studies in the one-room Hanna schoolhouse, and worked hard to support herself through high school at Mrs. Nunn’s boarding house in Prince Albert, supported by the sale of a pig by dad and financial contributions from her sister. Chris went on to graduate from University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1952, melding her academic interest with her practical experience growing up on the farm. She went on to complete a Masters in Dairy Science also at the University of Saskatchewan in 1954.

Chris married Grove Lane in 1953 in Prince Albert. Although the marriage did not last, the early years were happy and together they had three children. Their studies and Grove’s job changes moved them across cities fairly frequently in the first dozen years, both in Canada and the United States, and Chris became adept at putting down fresh roots and making new friends. Chris believed the human experience was a collective one, and this belief drove her life choices no matter where circumstances took her.

Chris was a committed pacifist – from her participation in anti-Vietnam protests; to her integral participation in the Voice of Women in both Ottawa and Winnipeg; to a definite theme in her music choices, including regular performances in shopping malls and schools to raise awareness of global nuclear threat. She encouraged young people to think about and discuss big issues through the Unitarian Junior High Sunday School program. To Chris, peace is the only viable option for our planet and our children.

It was probably this commitment to the planet that made Chris an environmentalist long before the word was invented. Reduce, reuse, recycle was the mantra she lived by; her family and friends fondly remember the nylon strings that Chris used for just about everything.

Chris was politically active from an early age and ahead of her time on so many issues that remain relevant today and into our future. She was an ardent supporter of the NDP wherever she lived – campaigning in elections, attending conventions as a delegate and fundraising were ongoing activities throughout her life. On a broader level, Chris was constantly raising issues such as GMOs, alternative energy solutions, economic development, always challenging people to think about these sorts of issues and encouraging people to step beyond their comfort zone to make a difference to their community and the wider world. Her charities and associations included Council of Canadians; David Suzuki Foundation; Friends of CBC Broadcasting; Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; National Farmer’s Union; and a host of environmental groups.

Chris never forgot her own dictum to “have fun” while passionately changing the world. She was well known for her parties throughout her adult life, whether for work colleagues, family, music partners or as a vehicle to raise money for a favorite cause. She enjoyed bringing diverse groups of people together to talk and enjoy food, beverage and fellowship. And no one other than her was allowed to do dishes!

Music was an integral part of Chris’ life. She played piano at a young age, moved on to the accordion as an early adult and is probably best known for singing and playing guitar. Chris sang at family reunions, around the campfire, at political rallies and protests, at any public impromptu gathering, and at her own parties for pure enjoyment and fun. Chris had a strong voice and could sing the melody or harmony depending on her fellow singers. She delighted in new musicians and encouraged people to pick up and play an instrument at any age, and to sing along.

Chris was best known in Winnipeg for her work on women’s issues. She stated that she had never faced discrimination as the only woman in her Agriculture class, and that it was her peace work in Ottawa with the Voice of Women in the mid to late 60s that introduced her to women’s issues, both locally and globally. After moving to Winnipeg in 1969 and once her youngest child was in school, Chris returned to work as a dairy scientist but quickly changed gears and become a consultant on women’s issues for the Schreyer NDP government. It was the perfect job for Chris allowing her to educate people, influence policy decisions and be active in the burgeoning feminist movement. Later on, Chris moved to the federal arena as the regional Equal Opportunities for Women coordinator. In this role, Chris encouraged, nurtured and supported women to advance in their careers and their personal lives. In 1985 she was awarded a YWCA Woman of the Year Award in recognition of her work.

Chris’ family was intensely important to her. She took early retirement to look after her Aunt Anne and in 1993 moved back to Spruce Home to care for Anne in her last few years. At that time Chris also took on the care for Aunt Cis who lived a mile away until Cis left to live with her daughter because she needed more care. Chris was an unabashed supporter of her three children, Margaret, Carol and Alex, their partners, as well as her grandchildren, Simone, Ben and Tom. Chris was thrilled to learn last month that a great grandchild is on the way.

Chris was very close to her sister, Jean and brother-in-law, Morris and they often travelled to exotic parts of the world, as well as taking memorable trips around little-known places in Saskatchewan in recent years. Brother Eric (Colin) was a co-conspirator in the ‘cooperative living space’ farm adventure, debated many political issues, shared a taste for scotch and co-hosted many an enjoyable Solstice and Equinox party with Chris.

Nieces, nephews and other family were important to Chris and were always an integral part of the wiener roasts and campfire singing. Chris enjoyed her family ties: Gwennie, Marj, Craig, Morris and many others, and was extremely pleased to re-establish contact across the ocean with Scottish cousins Hugh and Colin, Auntie Lily, and Norwegian family including Berger and Ingrid, and Magne and Vivian. But Chris’ “family” did not stop with blood boundaries. Her family included so many people that remained important to her, from “the other Lanes”, to Sharon who shared movie nights during long cold winters, to Ramona her wonderful neighbour, to “the best friends in the world” Murdine, Penny and Meg who, along with Ramona, were able to say goodbye for us on October 22nd. Lon and Val were special too and called Chris “Kokum” (grandmother). She loved her extended family: Myles, John, Bryce and her wonderful book club members, political cronies and assorted community stalwarts – farmers, carpenters, gardeners and long-time community residents. Further from home, Chris had lots of other family members that she also loved deeply, some for decades – Heather in Ottawa, Rita, Sharon and Terri in Ontario, Pat and Steve in Winnipeg, Wendy on Pender Island, SDBs across Canada (you know who you are and that you mattered!), and so many others.

A celebratory wake for Chris’ life was held October 26th at the Spruce Home farm. Over 200 people attended and appreciated that Bryce piped Chris home. A toast of Scotch was raised by daughter Carol, the wine and beer flowed, food was plentiful and the music continued for hours. Chris’ ashes were buried by her children, grandchildren and Ramona on November 2nd. A celebration of Chris’ life will be held in Winnipeg on November 9th and in Ottawa towards the end of the month. For friends and family who were unable to attend, there will be another celebration in August 2014 at the Spruce Home Clark family farm when we plan to plant a tree in Chris’ memory and sing joyfully in her honour and beloved memory.   

Rest in peace Chris Clark – you will be deeply missed by your loving friends and family.