FLORENCE MAXINE CLARK (WINNINGTON-INGRAM)

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FLORENCE MAXINE CLARK (nee WINNINGTON-INGRAM) Florence Maxine Clark, 82, died peacefully December 21, 2005 in Victoria with Harold, her husband of 60 years, holding her hand. Maxine Winnington-Ingram was born in Edmonton, raised in Calgary, and was living in Weyburn, SK, where she fell in love with a handsome young Mountie named Harold Clark. For the next 25 years, Mom played the role of the unpaid second man with unflagging energy, style and, of course, her ever-present sly humour. They lived in Ottawa, Portage la Prairie, Beausejour, Oak Point, Winnipeg and Brandon. When Dad retired from the RCMP and began a second career with the Manitoba Civil Service, home became Winnipeg and in summer, Victoria Beach. In retirement, Mom and Dad tried Summerland, BC briefly, returned to Winnipeg for a while, and finally settled in Victoria. Everywhere they lived, Mom quickly took on whatever roles presented themselves. On top of being a wife and mother of three, she was often expected to operate the police radio and answer the phone in life and death emergencies. It was not unusual for her to spend the day running the detachment office during a crisis, then afterwards, make supper or fresh donuts for a crew of searchers, rescuers, survivors, or even prisoners. She was always active on church and community executives. Mom was always busy doing something. At different times she was an occupational therapist, realtor, interior decorator, artist, art instructor, knitter, seamstress, Welcome Wagon hostess, inventor, author, saleswoman, curler, and lawn bowler. She was well known for her paintings, sweaters and other hand-made gifts. As her family grew and new generations were added, Mom continued to be its heart and soul. She kept tabs on everyone and kept everyone up-to-date. She remembered everyone's special occasions and frequently hosted the whole family on special days and for extended summer visits to the family cottages at Victoria Beach. She loved to cook, bake and her suppers were wonderful. Left to grieve are her husband, Harold and children, Gerry Clark (Linda) of Flin Flon, MB, Kathy Chalmers (Bob) of Virden, MB and Randy Clark (Deb) of Winnipeg, MB; five grandchildren, Scott, Cindi, Laurie, Barb and Carly. Six great-grandchildren, Hunter, Carson, Maguire, Devonny, Noah, and Joel; one sister, Hazel Jardine (Gordon) of Fort Qu'Appelle, SK; as well as many other extended family. A Celebration of Life was held December 27, 2005 at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, Oak Bay. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will occur at RCMP Depot in Regina when Dad is ready to join her. Donations in her memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2006