THE BOATING COMMUNITY HAS LOST A GREAT MEMBER, GEORGE CLAVELLE
The Canadian boating community has lost a treasured member this week. George Clavelle passed away on January 20. Amoung his many contributions to boating, upon retirement, George was also involved with the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association and the Mid-Canada Marine Dealers Association. He always spent summers at the lake (Gull Lake, Bissett and Falcon Lake) with his family and friends. Below is George’s obituary…
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather George Clavelle on January 20 at the age of 82; beloved husband of Betty Anne Ludtke of Cheyenne, Wyoming. George will be missed by his loving children; Grant (Joyce) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Larry (RoAnn) of Calgary, Alberta, Maureen (Barry) of Winnipeg, Doug (Leo) of Vancouver, British Columbia and Karen (Jim) of Winnipeg, grandchildren, Christian and Justin, Jason and Krista, Ravyn and Paris and great-grandchild, Kayla. Dad was a pillar of strength and a vibrant, talented man. Everything he did led him to become a man worthy of the utmost admiration and respect. George was born on June 29, 1932 in Whitewood, Saskatchewan. At the young age of 20, George became a member of the St. Boniface Police Department and was married shortly after to Margaret Light. Together they raised a family of five children. George would continue his career for 35 years (1952-1988), retiring as a Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police/Staff Inspector from the Winnipeg Police Service. George loved wildlife and the outdoors and worked tirelessly in conservation as the President of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (1967-1969) and the Canadian Wildlife Federation (1977-1979). George and his committee of five formed the Canadian Wildlife Foundation. On retirement, George was also involved with the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association and the Mid-Canada Marine Dealers Association, where he published a hunting, fishing and boating magazine for Western Canada. He also formed and became president of Aurora Borealis Co. Ltd. and Northern Consulting specializing in promoting tourism to Canadian fishing and hunting lodges. His interests allowed him to travel extensively to many countries including China, Australia and Japan. George also gave of himself to the community through acts of volunteerism. He was a member of the following clubs; Knights of Columbus, Richelieu Club, Laverendrye Game & Fish Association, the Junior Rifle Program, Manitoba Peace Officers Club, Salvation Army, Manitoba Habitat Trust, Fort White Nature Center and the Wood Bison Re-Establishment Foundation. Throughout his life George received many prestigious awards for his efforts. Especially significant are the Royal Canadian Humane Society Award (1969), The Queen’s Jubilee Medal (1977), the Chancellory of Canadian Orders and Decorations Exemplary Service Medal (1985), the Confederation of Canada Medal (1992) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). He always spent summers at the lake (Gull Lake, Bissett and Falcon Lake) with his family and friends. George loved to socialize and entertain. His dinner parties and late night card tricks were legendary. We will fondly remember the many boating, fishing and water skiing adventures. Everyone was always welcome to enjoy summer getaways. George re-married in 1999 to Betty. They split their time between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Gold Canyon, Arizona. Cremation has taken place and a service will be held in Phoenix, Arizona. A service of remembrance will be held in Winnipeg at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in George’s memory to: The Canadian Wildlife Federation 350 Michael Cowpland Drive Kanata, Ontario K2M 2W1.
