With heavy hearts, we announce that George (Buddy) Ivan Clarke passed away on July 31, 2021, in the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of seventy-nine. 

 

George (Buddy) and his twin sister Georgina were born in a mine at Beresford Lake, MB in April of 1942. As a young boy he grew up in Bissett Mb. At the approximate age of eleven he was taken to attend school in Portage La Prairie where he resided until the age of sixteen. At age 16 Buddy lied about his age so that he could leave the school and begin working. Buddy’s professional career was as varied as his many talents and skills were. From working in the mines, to masonry, to long haul truck driving, and finally as an Arborist for the City of Winnipeg. Buddy excelled at everything he did. He took immense pride in his work. However, Buddy’s true profession was that of a hunter and provider for his community and his family. There were many elders and family members whose freezers were fully stocked with moose meat for the winter. Buddy would take his van deep into the bush for weeks at a time. That is where he found healing and lived his authentic life. Although he did not reclaim his ancestral traditional practices until later in life, as a young man, he instinctively lived his true life as a great hunter. It was in his blood and his bones. Buddy’s only passion greater than being a provider was being a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. 

 

Of his many loves in life perhaps the one he will be most remembered for was his role as Grandfather. To his grandchildren he was lovingly known as “Papa Candy”.  Papa would blow in like the wind out of no where and announce his presence with his signature “How ya doing!” Often, he would arrive with a pocket full of candy, or a bag of chocolate bars, other times just to drop off some moose meat and stop for a cup of tea.  Papa shared his innate sense of the land and nature with his grandchildren through hunting, fishing and walks through many of his favorite spots. Nothing was more entertaining than one of his infamous rides through the bush in Old Betsy. There were many trips to the Thirsty Duck for breakfast, where grilled cinnamon buns and coffee with as much sugar as you liked were always encouraged. Papa’s love of motorcycles was well known and his heart stopping departures were legendary, a passion that many of his grandchildren share. Over the years Papa was kept busy with his grandchildren’s many sporting events, and family gatherings celebrating their accomplishments and numerous milestones. There were many hours spent just sitting and listening to Papa’s unique brand of story telling, laughing, and unraveling the details of his many tales, and times where it was time to sit quietly and listen to his wisdom and his experience.

 

Papa George lovingly remembered all of his grandchildren; some who through distance and circumstance he had not seen for many years, nonetheless, they were always part of his conversations, and always part of his heart.

 

He was, perfectly Papa. His wisdom and his spirit will be cherished, and his many stories and adventures will continue to be shared, and without a doubt his legend will continue to grow. 

 

 

Papa George know that we lovingly tended your sacred fire for 4 days. The fire that leads you home to Creator, Friends and Family that went before you. You are so loved by many and while our hearts are broken, it’s comforting to know that your Spirit is with us today and always. Safe travels Old Buck. 

 

George Clarke’s family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by visiting his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photobiography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him, are available there. 

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday September 4, 2021, at Bissett Community Hall and Curling Club (markers will be placed on the road to guide attendees). Interment and Feast to follow the Ceremony.”