Eric's Obituary

CLEMENS Eric George July 1, 1938 - October 6, 2008 Peacefully, after a 9-month struggle with cancer, Eric, our beloved brother and uncle, breathed his last breath on October 6 in Victoria, BC. Eric leaves to mourn brother Paul (Carole) (Hornby Island), sisters Val (Winnipeg) and Lenore (Vancouver), niece Kristiana, and nephews Jeremy and Noah. Kristiana's mother Pam also remained a valued friend.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Eric lived and worked in London, England; Ames, Iowa; Ottawa; and finally Victoria, the city he loved best. Eric obtained several degrees, which charted his career path from architecture to public administration, teaching, research and publication: Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Urban Design, and Master of Public Administration.

Eric had been co-authoring a book with UVic colleague Bob Bish. Despite recurring physical weakness, Eric managed to complete his part in the project within the last two weeks of his life. This determination to fulfil an obligation was characteristic of Eric, as were his loyalty to family and friends, his concern for their well-being, his integrity, his good will, and his spiritual faith. He will be greatly missed.

Having spent the first ten years of his life in Winnipeg's mainly-Icelandic West End, Eric was the one who kept us connected with our Icelandic roots. He took our mother (Amma) to Iceland in 1991 and organized a wonderful 'clan gathering' of six to visit relatives there in 2005. He was an active member of the Icelandic Club of Victoria.

Eric enjoyed some physical respite in the summer, when he visited family and friends in Victoria and on the islands. Thanks to all for their hospitality.

Thanks also to the many folks who expressed their care and concern for Eric during this difficult time. The family also wishes to thank the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospice for their kind and attentive care in his last hours.

Many thanks as well to colleague Evert Lindquist for his invaluable help in arranging the memorial gathering.

We are deeply grateful to friend Joan Young for her stalwart support of Eric throughout his illness.

The gathering will be held on Saturday, October 18, at 1:00 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge, University Club, University of Victoria (parking lots 9 or 10). In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric's memory may be made to a charity of choice.

Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 10/16/2008