1935 – 2021
Paul De Clercq of Champion, beloved husband of Ruby, passed away peacefully at the Vulcan Community Health Centre on November 2, 2021 at the age of 86 years.
Paul was the eldest son of Ney and Genevieve (Walden) De Clercq and was born July 17, 1935 in Claresholm, AB. He grew up on the farm NE of Stavely, AB and attended school at Turnbow, Prairie Dell and Stavely. Paul married Ruby Beingessner on October 20, 1956 while working in the oil patch for Young Exploration. Paul and Ruby moved frequently with the drilling crew and their trailer home all around AB and SK. Many life long friendships were made on the crews. Also during these years, Paul and Ruby had their 3 oldest children.
In the early 1960’s, the family moved to Calgary where Paul was a heavy duty mechanic and Ruby taught school. It was also in Calgary that they had their 4th child. The years in Calgary kept Paul busy in many groups, including Boy Scouts and Minor Hockey. In 1980, the family moved back to the farm between Stavely and Champion. It was here that Paul lived and farmed until he became sick this year. He loved farm life and the close community of friends in the Champion area.
Paul is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruby, his children – Connie (Michael) Morrison, Lori Ahart, Darrell (Caroline) De Clercq and Scott (Monica) De Clercq , 10 grandchildren – Sheila, Laura, Colin (Kelsey), Genevieve (Jaimie), Anna (Spencer), Claire (Eric), Sarah, Brittney (Brandon), Haley (George) and Adeline, 3 great grandchildren – Ava, Georgia and Jon, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his Uncle and dear friend Roy (Ethel) Walden. Paul was predeceased by his parents, sister Valerie Douglas and brother Richard De Clercq.
Private Family Memorial Mass was held Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 2 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Champion, AB, with Fr. Dominic Nguyen Celebrant. Inurnment to follow at Champion Cemetery.
Tributes in Paul’s memory can be made to the Vulcan County Health & Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.
Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.