DR. JOHN CLAKE

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DR. JOHN CLAKE February 9, 1922 - August 3, 2008 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our husband, father and grandfather, John, on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at the age of 86. John will be deeply missed and remembered by his loving wife, Roberta; his son Bryan (Catherine); son-in-law Gordon Buchanan; grandchildren, Danielle, Troy, Reid and David; as well as the many caring members of his large extended family. He was predeceased by his brother Allan; and in 2003 by his dear daughter Jo-Anne. John was born in 1922 in Transcona and began his education there. In 1952 he married Roberta, and during their 56 years together she was supportive of his many endeavours. They raised two children, Jo-Anne and Bryan. John received a BA from the University of Manitoba and a PhD from the University of Ottawa. He was employed with CNR, beginning as an apprentice and leaving as an assistant supervisor of personnel. John served as a pilot and flying instructor with the RCAF, later maintaining the association as a Reservist. Since his war service, he was a member of the Manitoba Follow-up Study for heart research on wartime pilots. While taking post-graduate studies at the University of Toronto, John was a teaching assistant, then lecturer in the Psychology department of that institution. He joined the staff of United College (now the University of Winnipeg) in 1957 as an assistant professor of Psychology. He was subsequently promoted to associate professor and later to full professor. In 1968 he was appointed Dean of Arts and Science. In addition to serving as Dean, John held the posts of Vice President Undergraduate Programs, Vice President Academic and Student Services, and Vice President Administration. He was elected to the Board of Regents of the University in 1967 and served until 1978. Within his profession as a psychologist, John did research as industrial psychologist for Orenda Engines Ltd. and the Department of Labour in Ottawa. He also maintained a private practice in vocational guidance and industrial consulting, including research relating to accidents and their causes. Among his professional activities, John was President of the Manitoba Psychological Association and Chairman of the Churchill Diversion Archaeological Project. He was also a member of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Youth and Education, the Inter-University Committee on Graduate Studies and Research, the Program Advisory Committee of the Universities Grants Commission, and a member of the Canada Council Commission on Small Universities. John was an executive member of the Manitoba Safety Council, Age and Opportunity Centre, Manitoba Air Patrol, Manitoba Aviation Council, and the Churchill Research Centre. For many years John maintained an active commitment to aviation. He belonged to COPA, and was a lecturer for many years with the Department of Transport Civilian Pilot Instructors Program. John was an active member of the YMCA, playing volleyball, racquetball and handball. He was an avid fisherman and an active wood turner and craftsman. He enjoyed building and restoring houses, boats, automobiles and aircraft. Upon retirement in 1987, the University of Winnipeg awarded John the title of Vice President Emeritus. He carried on with other endeavours, volunteering with the Western Canadian Aviation Museum, both as a director, and using his ingenuity to develop hands-on projects. Later he established the Seniors Well-Being Course at the University of Winnipeg and was very committed to the program's objectives. He and Roberta travelled to many countries, but their favourite place remained Victoria Beach. John had a strong sense of social justice. He expressed his concepts clearly and argued his convictions with vigour and forthrightness. With his integrity and insight, he was well-respected as a leader, a mentor and as a friend. For his family, he was the source of knowledge, guidance, support and encouragement. John and Roberta's love for the family was reflected in their summer home at Victoria Beach which they expanded as the family grew. John will be fondly remembered through the many family traditions that he established there. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2008 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. If friends so desire, donations in memory of John can be made to Continuing Education in care of the University of Winnipeg Foundation, 705 - 491 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E4. GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2008