‘A dear friend who will be sadly missed’: Ray Clark, former Calgary alderman, dies at 80

Former Calgary alderman Ray Clark has died, and current members of city council are crediting him with setting them on the path to their political careers.

Clark was 80 years old.

He was the city’s Ward 10 representative from 1983 to 1995, and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1998 and 2001.

Before serving on council, he had a career in the city’s planning department.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas says flags will fly half-mast at old city hall on the day of Clark’s funeral, which has not yet been announced.

On social media over the weekend, Farkas spoke of Clark’s impact.

“Saddened to hear of former alderman Ray Clark’s passing,” Farkas posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday.

“Many of us remember his impact: my very first civic memory is from meeting him at my East Calgary school.

“The city will honour his legacy in the coming days. Our thoughts are with his family.”

At city hall on Monday, Farkas added, “I do not think I would be in this chair as mayor if not for his enthusiasm.”

Andre Chabot, city councillor for Ward 10, likewise credited Clark with being the reason he chose politics.

He called Clark “a dear friend” he’s known for many years, who “will be sadly missed.”

“He door-knocked at my house numerous times, and he’s the one that convinced me that if he wasn’t going to run, that I should run,” Chabot said.

That time came in 1998.

“He said, ‘Andre, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I’m running for mayor. ... So, are you going to live up to your commitment and run for councillor?’” Chabot said.

“I said, ‘Well, if you’re not there, at least I have a shot.’

“Of course, it took me four attempts, but I remain adamant that it was a role that I was meant to serve, and thanks to Ray’s support and indulgence, I’m here today.”

Dan McLean, city councillor for Ward 13, also reflected on Clark.

“I didn’t know him as well or as long as a lot of you here, but I can say one thing—he was a true champion for Calgary,” McLean said.

“His community loved him, and he worked really, really hard.

“He’ll be dearly missed, and he is well-respected. I liked him.”

With files from Shaun Frenette