George Albert Clarke

George Albert Clarke was born March 25, 1936 in Riverside, Manitoba to Frederick and Lillian Clarke. George passed away peacefully on July 22, 2020 in Lethbridge, Alberta with his beloved wife Rose by his side.

In 1958, George married the love of his life Rose after which they have celebrated 62 years of marriage.  George was a member of the Queens Own Rifles and 3 PPCLI regiments during his 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. He retired from the military in 1981 to take on a new venture of farming back in Rossburn. George also drove truck for 18 years hauling asphalt which was used to pave many of the roads in Western Canada. George and Rose retired to Victoria, B.C. for about 10 years with their friendly chihuahuas, Spike and Buttercup. They decided on one last move back to Alberta to be closer to family and friends and settled in Lethbridge.

George was active all his life. While in the military, he travelled the world including Germany, Norway, UK, Cypress, Tanzania, and the USA. George was also one of Canada’s Atomic Veterans. In 1957, George was part of a small group of Canadian military who participated in the nuclear bomb testing in Nevada, USA.  George witnessed 5 atomic bomb explosions from less than 1 kilometer from ground zero and survived to talk about it. He has donated information to the National War museum in Ottawa where the sacrifice of the Atomic Veterans is recognized. One highlight during his military career was the honour of being Queen Elizabeth’s and Prince Phillips Rolls Royce driver when she visited Canada in May of 1971. Another unique accomplishment was being the first person to grow Quinoa in Canada.

In his final years he was passionate about flying his flight simulator, watching hockey games, debating politics and looking after another chihuahua named Daisi who never left his side.  George took special pride in growing his own flowers starting out as seeds while snow was still on the ground. George and Rose worked together to build a beautiful yard for all to enjoy. George was always ready to support his family and will be remembered and missed by all of us for his unconditional love and support.

George is survived by his wife Rose, of Lethbridge, son Fred and his wife Denise of Houston, TX, grandson Brett and his partner Melissa and great grandson George of Toronto and granddaughter Calandra of Calgary, brother John Clarke and wife Ruth of Victoria BC, and predeceased by brother Don Clarke and parents, Fred and Lillian Clarke

The family will celebrate his life privately when they can all come together; they respectfully decline flowers.

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