Politician, sportsman, community builder, family man, volunteer, gentleman and friend Bob Clark, died July 10.
Our friendship began in 1993, when he dropped in to say hello to the publisher of the recently launched Olds Albertan. It was impossible not be impressed by this tall, powerfully built man whose large palm swallowed mine when we shook hands. He welcomed me and talked about his role with the Olds Grizzlys.
Bob was general manager from 1987 to 1995 and president from 1996 to 1999. At our first meeting he neglected to mention his long, successful career in politics – modesty and humility were his trademark.
His political journey started nearly 60 years ago on Nov. 30, 1960. He ran in a byelection as a Social Credit candidate -- called because of the death of MLA James Owens.
At 23, Bob was the youngest MLA to be elected in Alberta – his high school yearbook-worthy photograph accompanying the Dec. 8, 1960 Olds Gazette story confirmed it.
Born in Acme, Bob started his working career as a teacher. His career change, and long political journey was launched after a post-baseball game gathering.
Bob’s friends told him an MLA-candidate was needed in an upcoming election – Bob was it. It was a fitting start – public life and sport were always Bob’s passions.
In 1966 Bob was appointed Minister of Youth by premier Ernest Manning, Education Minister by Premier Harry Strom in 1968, and when the So-Cred’s were defeated by Peter Lougheed’s conservatives in 1971, he easily retained his seat. He was leader of the opposition in 1973, became leader in 1975 and although he couldn’t stop the Lougheed-led conservative steamroller, continued to win every election in his riding by huge margins.
He resigned as leader less than a year after the 1979 election and resigned his seat Nov. 30, 1981, 21 years after his first election victory. He had a long, distinguished career in public affairs, served on the board and eventually chair of the for the Special Waste Management Corporation, served on the Olds College Board of Governors and was its chair for three terms.
In 1974 he was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. In 2020, he was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.
Bob was the obvious choice when he served as Alberta’s first Privacy Commissioner from 1995 to 2001. In 2002, he was appointed chair of the Alberta Election Boundaries Commission.
He was the recipient of numerous awards for his achievement and revered in his beloved Carstairs – the Carstairs library bears his name.
Bob would often drop by for a visit, lunch, we’d meet for a golf game or sometimes have dinner – often just after an election call. He could masterfully predict the outcomes of any election whether municipal, provincial or federal. He’d uncannily know numbers and percentages. Bob was connected, passionate and accurate.
Bob moderated several election forums at my request – he was the best. He was known and respected by all. During one particularly politically charged time in Mountain View County’s recent history, Bob agreed to tame the tempers and moderate what could have easily been a volatile election forum. Bob was prepared, knew and enforced the rules and lightened the mood when necessary. Thanks to Bob, the evening turned out to be an informative, enlightening event devoid of tension or tantrums.
Bob Clark had so many desirable attributes – he was decent, sincere, honest and respected. When asked, he gave his time without question or delay. Glory and fame were never his motivators. Let’s hope, during these polarized, politically volatile times, our leaders can begin to emulate the qualities of such a fine man.
Murray Elliott is the publisher of The Albertan.
