F. Brent Clark

F. Brent Clark of Calgary, Alberta passed away on September 26, 2024 at the age of 84 years. He will be remembered for his remarkable wit and intelligence, his generosity, his determination, and his love of family and friends. 

Brent was a First-class Power Engineer and a Journeyman Millwright. After leaving work in Inuvik, he worked as a power engineer for the University of Calgary and the Foothills Hospital in the 1960s, and for the City of Calgary Waterworks from 1973 to 1981. He then worked in research and development with Petro-Canada until 1986, and subsequently found great satisfaction in a new role: teaching. Brent was an instructor at SAIT for 18 years where many of his students lovingly referred to him as “Snarley”. Brent came out of semiretirement and was part of the startup crew at CNRL Horizon Operations for 4 additional years, retiring in the spring of 2009. 

Brent found joy in serving and helping others. He could often be found volunteering with scout groups or at youth activities, facilitating church events and working in the kitchen, helping friends, family and neighbors with vehicle repairs, malfunctioning home appliances or building projects, and, in his later years, snow-removal for every house on his block. Brent was most content when he was being useful to others. 

In 1958, Brent served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in southern British Columbia. It was there that he met his eternal companion, and the love of his life, Judy. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage, and were delighted to serve a second mission together in Athens, Greece from 2011-2012. 

Brent enjoyed the outdoors as long as he had a project. You would never find him relaxing poolside, but he would guide youth on hikes or camping trips, he would go fishing or panning for gold, he liked to do deep pit-barbecue for a crowd, and he absolutely loved his vegetable garden. Brent grew more produce than he could ever consume, and would give away zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and other gems to neighbors and others who chanced to walk along the rear laneway of his home. He would line up vegetables on his front lawn with a “free” sign to share his abundance. 

Brent’s technical aptitude caused him to always be inventing and innovating. He designed and built a continuous ladder machine which gave an excellent cardio workout, and he erected a vertical-axis wind turbine of his own design, for which he was continually planning modifications. His mind was always solving problems, and the need for renewable energy was one of them. 

Brent loved music, and played guitar and bass in a few bands, and upright bass in several musical productions. He appreciated talented musicians and tight harmonies. 

The light of Brent’s life was dimmed significantly when he lost his dear wife Judy, in June of 2020. He was also predeceased by cherished siblings Ron, Loretta and Ross. 

Brent will be lovingly remembered by his remaining siblings, Kay, Paul, and Garnet, who have shown great love, especially during Brent’s final years. His children Michael (& Deanna) Clark, Janet (& Richard Nyberg) Clark, Richard (& Renée) Clark, and Brenda (& David) Anderson will miss him dearly, as will his 9 wonderful grandchildren (Zoey, Zane, Lauryn, Sophia, Stephen, Myles, Rhys, Erik, and Byron) and his first great-grandchild, Mikey. 

Brent was the recipient of much love and support in his declining years from his siblings and extended family and friends, for which he and his children will be forever grateful. 

We also thank the unparalleled staff at Salvation Army Agapé Hospice, who wrapped us all in the warm security of their excellent care, and made Brent’s final days calm and comfortable. 

A Funeral Service will be held for Brent at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Tipton Road Chapel (5927 Tipton Rd NW, Calgary) on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 am. 

After the funeral ceremony, the Graveside Service will take place at Queen's Park Cemetery (3219 - 4 Street NW, Calgary)

View a recording of Brent's service.