George Andrew Clark

May 20, 1947 - August 27, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
An absolute pillar of the community, consummate gentleman, humanist, and lover of life and all its ups and downs, George Clark was a rare one. His worldly travels, ability to connect with almost anybody regardless of age or providence, extensive reading, and natural sense of humour left him equipped with enough anecdotes, one-liners, and insightful observations to last several lifetimes. (This is not to say that everyone who knew him hadn't heard many of his favourites dozens of times.)
His calm demeanor, measured approach to life's vagaries, and ability to find the humour in any situation are only a few of the reasons why he was trusted and treasured by his family, friends, and business associates alike.
George owned and operated Elan Travel agencies in Terrace, Prince Rupert, and Kitimat for over 40 years and excelled at his work and loved his team, receiving recognition in the Air Canada Circle of Excellence and the Terrace Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year Award.
A lifelong advocate for social justice, George actively supported anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and marched for nuclear disarmament before leaving London as a young man. He brought that same philosophy to Canada and was a notable contributor to the community of Terrace during his time there.
He served as an Alderman, past President of the Rotary Club (and recipient of the their highest honor from the Paul Harris Fellowship), Terrace Community Futures volunteer, Library Board member, founder of the Terrace Beautification society in 1986, and somehow also managed to emcee the Pacific Northwest Music Festival's Gala Night for 20 years.
He was also instrumental in founding the Dare to Dream music program which kept music programs alive in the Terrace School District. In honour of his service to the Festival and the Dare to Dream Foundation, George was inducted as a lifetime honorary member of the Terrace Community Band in 2006. All of his commitments were approached with a joie de vivre that was infectious and endearing. Self-effacing and humble to a fault, he would probably want to roll over and die seeing his list of accomplishments written out, were it not already so.
George was endlessly passionate about traveling the world and experiencing different cultures both with his loving wife Tessie and at work as an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide. He loved to play golf and was a fixture of the Wednesday Men's Night at the Skeena Valley Golf Course.
A voracious reader, particularly of history and 19th century literature, he also loved classical music and routinely sought out concerts in Terrace and Vancouver, as well as opera houses in London, Paris, Vienna, and Germany. Maintaining his lovely garden and imbibing single malt scotch in the winter months and gin and tonics in the summer were other pleasurable pastimes.
In more recent years his relationship with granddaughter Manuella brought particular pride and joy. George's devotion to his family was complete and unconditional.
Born May 20th, 1947 in London, England, George Andrew Clark passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 in Vancouver B.C. at St Paul's Hospital after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. George immigrated to Canada with his soon to be wife of 48 years Tessie in 1974, eventually settling in Terrace, BC, until his official retirement in 2022.
George's cremations will be interred at the Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens in North Vancouver on his next birthday, May 20, 2024.
George is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Agnes, sister Rose, and baby brother Clark and is survived by his wife Tessie, son Andrew, daughter Elizabeth and her husband Nate, granddaughter Manuella, and sisters in law Bella, Melinda, and Conchita.
We welcome all those that knew and loved George to his Celebration of Life on October 22nd at 1pm at the REM Lee Theatre in Terrace BC. A reception will follow at 3pm at the Skeena Valley Golf Course.
If you have a story or memory about our beloved George that you would like to share, please send an email to george.clark.terrace@gmail.com for the family to read and enjoy privately.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to BC Cancer Foundation to support prostate cancer research at www.bccancerfoundation.com/GeorgeClark or by mail to: BC Cancer Foundation, 150-686 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., V5Z 1G1or by phone 1-888-906-2873.