Clarence Allen Klein

It is with our deepest regret that we wish to announce the passing of our dad, Clarence. He was the father to Darren and Chris, and grandpa to Brittany, Carsen, Anastasia, Emily, and Ryan.

Clarence moved to Brooks in the early 70s from Prince Albert and made a life as an electrician, working for different companies that came to Brooks during the boom years. Before retiring in 2008, Dad worked at Lakeside for roughly 20 years. He was in the maintenance department and saw many changes that the plant went through and the impact on our town. While raising a family, Clarence was active on the ball diamonds and is remembered for playing both fastball and slow pitch. Kleiner played with a couple of different teams over the years, but most often you could see him with a Bow Slope jersey on. During that time, Dad made many friends and cherished the opportunity to meet and compete.

Clarence shared his love of ball with both his boys, becoming their first coach as they played for various teams as they grew up. As a coach, Dad taught us all how to lose before he taught us how to win. He was often organizing these young leagues, and as such, would have a final tournament that we most often won, or at least showed the most improvement. During the winter, Dad and his buddies would often find a bonspiel at one of our surrounding small towns. In the summer, track brought many family opportunities to attend the Southern Alberta Summer Games. Both Mom and Dad would often play ball, but we all would do track. The javelin event was always Dad's favorite, and he would often drag Darren along to practice. Dad had the opportunity to purchase a boat in the late 70s, which a family friend had won in the rodeo raffle. That led to many great, enjoyable, and successful fishing trips to the majority of our local lakes, wherever they were biting! Clarence grew up in Esk, Saskatchewan, but was born in Humboldt on February 11, 1947, to Albert and Emilie.

As a young boy, being raised by his father, he had many opportunities to become a hunter. Dad had a passion and a skill for bird hunting, and there were not many trips where we, as kids, came home wet, cold, and anxious to go again. Through these excursions, we were exposed to many parts of the EID and have family favorites. Big game hunting was also a passion. Hunting with his buddies turned into hunting with his boys through the 80s and 90s. Moose trips to the mountains were always a big deal, but Dad's nature would not permit him to drive farther than he had to, so when a season opened up in Hanna, that became our hunting grounds. The moose from Hanna ate really well, and Dad still had a desire to shoot one more!

Clarence had a life well lived and shared it readily with the boys, apprentices that came his way, teammates, and later his grandchildren. He planted strawberries because he knew they'd like them. He created a fish pond for the youngsters to enjoy! He grew peas because everybody likes those, and kohlrabi so they knew what something different was. He liked to joke and tease each one of them and often did so in any way possible (clothespins). Grandpa hosted many a Christmas dinner, and it was always looked forward to as a chance to come together, share gifts, and enjoy a good game of cards, or maybe two. As the years took a toll on all of us, they were a little harder on Dad. His hearing was the first to go, and his stubborn nature did not allow him to get hearing aids soon enough. When he did, he hated wearing them, which made communication difficult. Not being the best at looking after himself, the end came unexpectedly. although it was difficult to witness the decline it was likely extremely frustrating for him, as he was not able to do all the things that he was used to accomplishing. We are sad to not have him here to share our lives with, but we hope that he finds peace and many new friends to tell his stories.

Fondly remembered and thankful to call him Dad and Grandpa!

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