In Memoriam: Bob Clark

The Olds College flags are flying at half-mast starting July 13, 2020 in remembrance of former Board Chair Robert Clark. 

Olds College is saddened to learn of the passing of Robert “Bob” Clark, former Board Chair, Olds College Board of Governors. A long-time friend and advocate of Olds College, Mr. Clark was appointed to the Olds College Board of Governors as a public Board Member in January 2010. He served three terms on the Board Of Governors and was Board Chair from February 2014 to May 2017. 

“On behalf of the Olds College community, I would like to offer our condolences to Bob’s family,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “Bob was passionate about agriculture and education, he provided excellent stewardship of the College through his role as Board Chair, and was a strong advocate for our College and community. Bob will be remembered as a statesman and friend to many and his imprint on Olds College will be felt for generations.” 

Mr. Clark was born and raised in Central Alberta. He believed in serving his community and was greatly respected by everyone he worked with. Mr. Clark was first elected as MLA Didsbury in 1960, the youngest MLA ever to be elected. He continued to represent the constituency of Olds-Didsbury until 1981. While serving in office, he was named the minister of youth under Premier Ernest Manning and then minister of education under Premier Harry Strom. When Peter Lougheed defeated the Social Credit Party, Mr. Clark served as the leader of the Official Opposition.

Clark was appointed Alberta’s first ethics commissioner in 1992 and served in that post from April 1992 to March 2003. He also served as the province’s first Information and Privacy Commissioner from 1995 to 2001.

A mentor to so many, Mr. Clark spent many hours volunteering and working to make the community a better place. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Clark was the general manager of the Olds Grizzlys Junior A hockey club from 1987 to 1995, and the President of the team from 1996 to 1999. 

He served as Chairman of the Board of Alberta Junior A Hockey League from 1998 to 2007, and was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020. 

In honour of Mr. Clark and his great achievements and community service, Olds College will lower their flags on campus for the week of July 13.