ALBERT LEE FRANKLIN (AB) CLEARWATER

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ALBERT LEE FRANKLIN (AB) CLEARWATER

With heavy hearts the family of Albert (Ab) Clearwater shares his passing on August 29, 2026.

Albert was predeceased by his mother Elsie May Clearwater (Smith), father Levi Clearwater, sister Joan Ross (husband Terry) and most recently by his beloved wife Marilyn (Pekrul) Clearwater earlier this year.

The loss of Albert will be deeply felt by his son Trevor Clearwater (Selma Mehdin), daughter Karen Clearwater (Glen Davies), daughter Jennifer (Jon) Rempel , and daughter Kristi Jardine (Brad Muise).

His grandchildren, Katy (Dylan), Aidan, Abigail, Camille, Liam, Maeryn, Benjamin, Senna, and Adrian will miss the presence of their Papa. Ab recently became a great-grandfather to Ava and Zara and his legacy will live on through this next generation. Ab will be missed by his in-laws, nieces and nephews, as well as many cherished friends and colleagues.

Ab was born on July 10,1942 in Carman, Manitoba where he would spend his early school years and begin his athletic endeavours. Ab excelled in school and was the Governor General gold medal winner finishing high school a year early at 16. Once moving into the city to pursue his education, Dad’s love of sports, in particular football, led him to stints with the Fort Garry Lions, St. James Rods, the University of Manitoba Bisons and ultimately the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The friendships Dad made through football remained through his whole life and his love of the sport never faded as he would often travel to see college football with his friends, son, and son-in-law. He would later attend NFL games with old teammates and friends, and was a lifelong season ticket holder of the Bombers, tickets that his son and son-in-law have taken over, continuing that tradition. He took his love of the game in many directions, including coaching his son’s youth football, his grandson’s flag football and volunteer coaching with the Rods when his football career ended due to injury. Dad remained active within the U of M men’s football alumni group his whole adult life.

Dad also loved playing and watching hockey. He was a member of the Carman Beavers in his youth, and continued to play men’s rec hockey with the Tuxedo Colts until he was 64. He was a huge Winnipeg Jets fan holding season tickets to the Jets 1.0 and 2.0. He loved watching the game and later bringing his grandkids to watch and have a treat with Papa. Dad took pride in watching his grandchildren play the sports they loved, and hearing about their achievements in the classroom and in life.

Dad had an exceptional and lengthy career in the field of the law. He graduated with the Class of 67 from the University of Manitoba’s Robson Hall, followed by his articling year at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman in Winnipeg. After articling Dad moved to Brandon to commence his legal career at Meighen Haddad where he spent the next few years, starting a family and honing his craft. He later moved back to Winnipeg with his young family and returned to the firm now known as TDS Law LLP but maintained a practicing presence in southwestern Manitoba throughout his career.

Dad had a truly general litigation practice at TDS, dabbling in civil, family, corporate and any other area of the law one could think of. During his practicing years he was known to many as a steady and logical practitioner, a generous mentor to many young lawyers and a fair but fierce advocate. Dad received the honour of being named a Queen’s Counsel in 1991 and was appointed as a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba in 1992 (now King’s Bench). Staying true to his roots, Dad served as a Justice in both Winnipeg and Portage La Prairie, very happily appearing in circuit courts in his beloved Western Manitoba and throughout the province whenever possible. Colleagues and counsel alike have often remarked to his children what a practical, fair, respectful and kind but strong approach he took to both his practice, and his time on the bench. Dad truly loved the law, and never once took for granted the privilege he had serving the citizens of his home province. His work ethic was unparalleled and his generous approach to others, a hallmark of his career, has been instilled in all his children and grandchildren.

Aside from the law, Dad loved reading and always had a book on the go. He never said no to a good burger and his kids and grandkids knew to never turn your back on your fries or papa would finish them without asking. He used his kids as an excuse to go out for ice cream, often finishing his and then ours.

Dad was generous to a fault. As his family we were the recipient of this generosity our whole lives. Dad blessed us with a beautiful blended family and we have many fond memories of the trips Dad and Marilyn took us on, especially ski vacations on Spring break. Dad’s generosity did not end with us, he was a devoted friend to many and their extended families, quietly caring for people with no expectations.

Dad and Marilyn loved each other dearly and each other's company was all they needed to be happy. They enjoyed simple things like Marilyn’s exceptional cooking at home, weekends at the cabin in Lake of the Woods, trips with friends all over the world, and later in life, winters away with dear friends in the Palm Desert. They cared for one another deeply and this was witnessed as Dad did his best to be Marilyn’s loving caregiver when she began her battle with Alzheimer’s.

While the last number of years were challenging, as a family we did our best to ensure that Dad and Marilyn remained together to receive the care they needed for as long as we could. We believe that they are finally resting peacefully together, holding hands on some comfortable couch, sharing laughter and watching over their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Golden Links Lodge who supported and cared for Dad with compassion in his last months.

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life to honour Ab at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the St. Boniface Golf Club, 100 Youville Street in Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that was close to Ab’s heart or another charity of your choice: the Nick Laping Memorial Scholarship at the University of Manitoba; the True North Youth Foundation; and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

204-253-5086

Tributes at: ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2026