Eric Clemens: Memories: In Memoriam, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC

In Memoriam
July 1, 1938 -- October 6, 2008

We were sad to learn of the passing of Eric G. Clemens, a wonderful colleague, alumnus, friend and contributor to the School of Public Administration.

Eric was a management consultant whose areas of practice included public policy and program analysis, survey research, and local and aboriginal government management, finance and service delivery. Eric’s local and aboriginal government work has included projects for the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot, Capital Regional District, City of Victoria, Town of View Royal, District of Metchosin, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Indian Taxation Advisory Board, and the Squamish, Tsawwassen and Adams Lake First Nations. He also served as a Senior Planner (Urban Design) with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa.

Eric never was far away from higher education, holding several degrees: Bachelor of Architecture (Manitoba), Master of Architecture and Urban Design (Washington, St. Louis) and Master of Public Administration (Victoria). Eric was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in UVic’s School of Public Administration and has served as a practicing architect, and an Assistant Professor of Architecture.

Eric had many close connections with the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria. It is hard to think of the School without him. He developed and taught courses in local government, urban and regional economics, property taxation and contracting out government services. Eric collaborated with Professors Bob Bish and Jim McDavid on research projects. His published work included consulting reports and academic studies, such as Indian Government Taxes and Services in British Columbia (1991), with Robert Bish and Hector Topham, and “Contracting out local government services: the B.C. experience” (1995), with James McDavid. The latter received the J.E. Hodgetts Award for the best English-language article published in Canadian Public Administration in 1995. Most recently, Eric was co-author with Bob Bish on the fourth edition of Local Government in British Columbia, an important publication for local government professionals and students in BC.

Eric was proud of his Icelandic heritage. For many years he was a member of the Icelanders of Victoria Club, serving as treasurer, vice-president and long-time editor of the club’s newsletter. He also had a more playful role as one of the Jólasveinar (Christmas elves). His friends and kinfolk will miss his cheerful and knowledgeable company.

Hvíl í friði vinur og takk fyrir allt.

Rest in peace friend and thank you for everything.

Our thoughts are with Eric’s sisters, Lenore and Valdine; and his brother Paul, niece and nephews and many friends, during this difficult time.

Come join us with Eric’s family and friends to reflect on his many family, community, and professional contributions at the University Club (Fireside Lounge) at the University of Victoria from 1-3 pm on Saturday, October 18th.

http://publicadmin.uvic.ca/eclemens.htm

Memories Shared

David Rittenberg

I have just found out Eric passed. The first time I met Eric was at Washington University. Before the school year began, he appeared at my apartment door with a six pack of beer and introduced himself. A complete stranger to me at that time, but someone I would share many memories with over the next 38 years. His spirit will always be with me. Eric "the good", I love you. - December 18, 2009 7:47 AM

Alicyn Goodman
Mum and I were so sad to hear of Eric's passing. I always enjoyed Eric's company. He had a great gift of making people happy.

My mum remembers him as a baby when your folks lived on Maryland Street.Eric could rock his high chair so that he could move around the kitchen and get into things on the kitchen counters.

At least now his suffering is over. - Love, Alicyn

Gary Reed
I just recently found out that Eric had died. He was a friend I met in September 1955 while registering at the University of Manitoba. We helped each other cope with the task and became friends and fraternity brothers for our undergraduate education, he in Architecture and me in Engineering. We essentially lost touch after that but continued to correspond with Christmas cards and the occasional visit. Eric last visited us in Southern California about 18 years ago. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. - from Oregon, October, 2009

From the Guest Book on line:

Beth McNutt
Dear Lenore and Family...Lenore, I just read your message about Eric's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Everytime I sit and try to write to you, I get soo choked up and start to cry. My heartfelt condolences goes out to you and your family as you struggle with your heartbreaking loss of your brother. There are no words that can possibly comfort you, or lessen your sorrow. I know you will hold Eric close to your hearts forever, and I pray that you will find peace and comfort in the days a head.Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear brother and friend, Eric. Written with much Love,Beth McNutt - October 19, 2008 - (London, ON)

Gerry Oyen
I first met Eric in Ottawa in the summer of 1968. Eric was an ex Navy man and fully looked the part with his handsome beard and fine features. Eric and I have kept in touch over the years and latterly while he was located in Victoria and me in Vancouver. When Eric visited Vancouver from time to time,we would have lunch together and he would be his usual cheery talkative self. Anyone who knew Eric, including myself, will miss him. - October 17, 2008 - (Vancouver, BC)

Linda Bjarnason
Eric was a very kind and understanding man, I considered him a very good friend. On a recent visit to our place in Nanaimo with his sister Val, Eric was in fine storytelling form, full of lively conversation. He will be greatly missed by our family, including my grandson who loved hiding his hats.- October 16, 2008 - (Nanaimo, BC)

Gudrun Heida Kristjansdottir
Please accept my deepest sympathies. - October 11, 2008 - (Akureyri, Iceland)

Martin Young
Eric loved loved hockey pools. For years, ex-MPA students got together for the annual hockey pool and Eric was always in the thick of things. It's hard to believe Eric won't be here for the new season. October 10, 2008 - (Victoria, BC

Danda Humphreys
Remembering Eric from jolly lunches at the James Bay Inn (we were overdue for another, as he wanted to hear about my recent trip to Norway), and his faithful attendance at my Langham Court Theatre shows. Such a sad loss. - October 10, 2008 - (Victoria, BC)

Heather Kirkham
Eric was a dedicated teacher on local government topics to learners enrolled in the UVic School of Public Administration. Through his teaching in our distance program, his reach extended throughout B.C. to many professionals employed by local governments. We will miss his thoroughness, care, and attention to the needs of his students. - October 9, 2008 - (Victoria, BC)

Eric Clemens: Memories

In Memoriam, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC

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In Memoriam, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC

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