We Remember
FOSS, Clair Allan
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Clair Allan Foss went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 10, at the age of 83 in Kelowna, BC. While his passing was unexpected, Clair died peacefully in his sleep.
Clair was born in Tofield, Alberta, to father Arthur Marcus Foss, and mother, Clara Mary Foss. He was the second oldest in a large family of five siblings consisting of his sister Arlene, and brothers Arthur, Roger, and Dale. Young Clair was a bright boy, always full of laughter and mischief. Clair started school at the nearby one-roomed Grand Forks school and later attended the Rutherford school. There, he met one of his lifelong friends, Pete Muzyka, with whom he shared many laughs and hijinks over the years.
In his mid-twenties, he fell in love with Doris Girard. The two married, and they soon welcomed their daughter Lana into the world. Tragically, Doris passed away in 1967.
Clair dealt with his grief by travelling. Over the next few years, he travelled across Western Canada and the United States. Eventually, he travelled to Europe where he met a young British woman, Anne Harrison, on a boat headed to Sweden. He was immediately smitten and proceeded to sweep her off her feet. She had a young son, David, whom Clair immediately welcomed as his own. After only a year’s engagement, Clair and Anne were married, and settled down in Canada. Clair and Anne welcomed children Hannah, Marcus, and Sarah in the following years.
During his lifetime, Clair had many occupations. He was a Pipefitter with Local 488 in Alberta, owned a real estate company, was the leader of the Canada Party, and he was the president of the Canadian Action Party. But of all his jobs, he was proudest of being a father and grandfather. Clair loved his family and friends deeply, and in return, he was loved by many. He always had the ability to see the best in people and to make friends wherever he went.
Clair was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Anne Foss, who passed away April 24, 2020; his first wife Doris Foss, his brother Dale Foss, and his sister Arlene Moen.
He is survived by his children Lana Foss (Grant Priest), David (Katherine) Harrison, Hannah Foss (Ryan Coome), Marcus Foss, and Sarah Foss (Jeramie Cole); by his grandchildren Manda Foss (Curtis Girard), Kyle (Crystal) Boyce, Jared Boyce, Jenna Boyce, Tatiana Wicik, Levi Wicik, Katlin (Jordan) Zarry, Brandon Harrison, Gabrielle Cole, and Gavin Cole; and by his great- and great-great-grandchildren. His is also survived by his brothers Roger (Andrea) Foss and Arthur (Aline) Foss; by his sister-in-law Jacqui Larsen; by his close friends Pete Muzyka, and Bruno and Inga Gustavsson; and also by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Clair at Trondhjem Cemetery near his hometown of Camrose, AB at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dear Lana and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, Lana. . Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I have heard the most wonderful stories about him and of what a great father and all around good, fun-loving person that he was.. May your memories help you through your grieving process and healing, going forward. My deepest condolences to your family..
This was unexpected…. we spoke for an hour on December 9th. Clair sounded wonderful and we talked about how he was going to drive out to Vancouver to visit Richard, my husband. His old friend, Richard (dirty Dick) passed away on December 22nd and I was worried about calling to tell Clair because he told me that the two of them were the only ones left. We talked about his adventures in Los Angeles with Richard and I “way back when” in the early 70’s. I was very worried when he didn’t answer his phone on the 23rd but my kids said that he was probably away for Christmas. So tonight as I was mourning the loss of my husband of 62 years, I thought I would look to see if the worst had happened…. and I find my old friend here immortalized! There’ll never be another like Clair, never! I’ll miss your emails and phone calls my dear Clair. You were loved well. Rest In Peace my friend!
I’m the son of Clair’s good friend Richard Thompson from Vancouver BC- I had known Clair my whole life from his travels to Los Angeles and later to San Francisco where I reside. I have the best memories of Clair and his great beard! I remember Clair for his kindness and gentle soul. He will be remembered as such. Peace
R.I.P. Mr. Foss…truly a once in a lifetime friend to our family. My father,Richard Thompson was a great friend to Clair. He visited our family in West Hollywood many times with many ensuing adventures. The camping trip to Kern Lake was particularly memorable. Me and my 4 other brothers and sister were in the company of my father and Clair for a few fun days. We listened to the two of them howling at the moon, listening to Wolfman Jack on the radio, and heating up a can of Dinty Moore stew when anybody got hungry.
Clair was a true gentleman, a great listener and had the bluest eyes imaginable. He spoke kindly of everybody, and really could tell a story too. I will remember him as a great friend to my Mom and Dad and to the family. Condolences to his children and family, you lost a great one!
One other thing, ironically and sadly my father,Richard, passed away 11 days after Clair, The partners in fun are running amok again.
I am also a member of the Thompson family. Clair was avery dear friend of our family and was a kind and generous soul. I know he is resting in.peace.