May 17, 1946-July 26, 2022

It is with great sadness that the family of Melvin Clark announce his sudden passing on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the age of 76 years. Melvin will be missed by his loving partner, Doreen Geislinger; his children, Sheila (Brian) Reed, Neil (Marina) Clark and Craig (Jacqueline) Clark; his eight grandchildren, Laurel Reed, Kaylee Reed, Alayna Reed, Cainwyn Clark, Ainsley Clark, Hayden Clark, Kody Clark and Imogen Clark.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Mary (nee Claeys) Clark of Namao, Alberta and his siblings, Shirley Story and Brian Clark.

Melvin grew up on the family farm near Namao and was the eldest of Harold and Mary’s three children. He was very active on the farm and developed a love for machinery, animals and working with his hands. As a young boy, Melvin was a member of the local 4-H club which he would eventually become the leader of as a young adult. After High School Melvin attended Lakeland College in Vermillion and was a proud member of the alumni, frequently attending the annual reunions at the school. Melvin and his wife, Norma Rigney, raised their three children, Sheila, Neil and Craig on the family farm where he was raised. Along with farming Melvin drove bus for the local school division, a job he proudly did for over 40 years. Melvin enjoyed playing hockey, a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Melvin also continued his leadership role in 4-H as a leader of the Sturgeon Clever Clovers club and Bon Accord Beef Club. Melvin was inducted into the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to 4-H. In his 50’s, Melvin found a passion for cattle penning and would travel all over Alberta for different penning events. After Melvin stopped riding, he continued his involvement with cattle penning through judging different events. Melvin was also an active member of the Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association and was getting ready to participate in this year’s tractor pull. Melvin had a passion for many things and kept himself busy on his many projects and ideas. Melvin loved to learn, create and be involved in anything that interested him.

Melvin has been described as a very social person, he would go out of his way to say hello to anyone he knew. He was always willing to help his family and friends repair or fix anything that wasn’t working and was a wealth of knowledge on older machinery. Melvin was incredibly talented and could often learn something new without much instruction. He loved going to watch his kids and grandkids compete in sport and would always proudly wear a hat with the team logo on it. He will be missed by so many.

Celebration of Life

Plans for a celebration of life are in the works and will take place once the family finalizes the plans.