Clarence Alvin Moan

Clarence Alvin Moan was born October 12, 1939 to Andrew and Anne Moan.  The second son, Grandma Moan always said he was a quiet baby – content to watch his older brother Ralph get into trouble and talk for him.

Dad grew up on the family farm located south of Angusville (SE 13-19-26) and was always destined to be a farmer.  He was an alright student and he completed his grade 10 year while boarding with a family in Angusville.  Though he never finished his high school education, Dad was a dedicated reader all of his life.  He passed this passion on to his daughter and granddaughters.

He experienced big city life when he moved into Winnipeg for a short time to sell shoes at the Hudson Bay Store.  He only ever mentioned it in passing so we’re sure that wasn’t his dream job.

He came back to the farm and there he stayed until he retired.  I’d like to say that I remember the story of how Mom & Dad met but I’m sure it was at one of the many dances held up in Shell Valley.  Mom & Dad married in October 1964 and that partnership lasted over 60 years.  They made a good team – they were each other’s balance.  They worked together on the farm and made a good life for their family.  They adopted two children – Mark in 1970 and Cheryl in 1972.  Working on the farm, taking time as a family to golf and camp at Rossman Lake and spending time with friends and family was how I remember Dad’s life.  In the 1980’s, Dad built the house that they lived in until they retired.  Mark was Dad’s farm kid from the moment he was old enough to get involved with tractors and trucks.  Mark and Dad spent time together after Dad’s retirement having coffee and going on road trips to check out trucks and run for parts.  When Mark passed away suddenly, a part of Dad’s heart went with him.

Retirement brought Dad new experiences including a road trip Mom and friends Stephen and Lillian Olynyk to Alaska and a trip down south.  But his real retirement gig was chauffeur – mostly to his two granddaughters Maryssa and Kate.  Piano, dance, band and ball kept him busy.  There was always a grandkid or two in and out of the house in Russell.  Brody, his only grandson, was different – the fun debates over Ford vs Dodge were legendary and Grandpa always snickered but handed over his truck keys when some kid needed a tow or a ride.

Mom and Dad made the move to Park Manor in the fall of 2025 after health challenges for both made living in the house a little more than they were comfortable with.  Dad didn’t say much – just settled into his recliner and turned on his TV.  Dad ended up in the hospital shortly after and slowly went down hill until his passing.

I always remember Dad as a quiet but strong force.  He rarely had to raise his voice to get his point across or make his kids mind.  He gave what he could to things he supported and was always willing to help if he could.

The last couple of months showed Dad’s inner strength.  His response to whether he was in pain was, yes he was.  But that was it – he was more interested in what was going on than dwelling on what he couldn’t change.  His sense of humor stayed strong right until the end.

Dad was predeceased by his parents and his son Mark as well as other family members.  He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Cheryl (Ron) Melnyk and grandchildren Brody (Zoe), Maryssa (Avery) and Kate (Cole) as well as his older brother Ralph and nephew Elliot (Rhonda).