Obituary of Clarence John Hookenson

November 1, 1950 - Chilliwack, British Columbia

November 24, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of the most wonderful man, Clarence John Hookenson. He died surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the age of 74 years.

He was our husband, dad, grandpa and best friend. Clarence journeyed through life for more than 40 years with his wife Teresa (Teri) Posyniak. He was a devoted dad to Nick and Kaia (Stephen) and an amazing grandfather to Henry (seven) and Beau (six). His family was the centre of his universe.

Clarence loved the law. He had been a civil litigator for five decades. He connected easily with people, showing kindness to all during his wide-ranging, successful career. In fact, as a University of Alberta law student in the early 1970s, he and a few fellow students got government grants during their summers off to set up Calgary Legal Guidance, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free legal help. He specialized in construction litigation but also developed expertise in family law. He cheerfully helped family, friends and others whenever they needed his legal advice.

While many of their friends and family retired in their 60s, both Clarence and Teri continued working, encouraging each other to tackle new projects. Just days before he was hospitalized in October, Clarence helped Teri install the sculpture component of her retrospective exhibition named “RESILIENCE” in the Nickle Galleries at the University of Calgary.

Clarence inherited mechanical skills from his father, a mechanic and teacher, who forbade him from studying mechanics in high school, urging him to go to university instead. Clarence loved sailing with his buddies in the Swiftsure races out of the Victoria Harbour. For two decades he was involved with developing a heavy-lift blimp. He loved golfing with Teri, read voraciously and was the perfect Mr. Fix-it at home. If he didn’t know how to repair a broken appliance, he’d figure out a way how. Most of all, Clarence loved to participate in his kids’ and grandkids’ activities. Being a grandpa was a sheer delight to him. Family holidays were always with the kids and grandkids: Italy with Kaia and Stephen last year, Costa Rica with Nick and the boys last spring and many camping holidays.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Margaret Hookenson; and his father-in-law John Posyniak. He also leaves to mourn his sister Valerie Parker (Drew), brother Terry Hookenson (Kenya), mother-in-law Vivian Posyniak, and in-laws, Celia Posyniak (Jim), Len Posyniak (Joy), Suzanne Posyniak (Ken), and Laura Oliver (Bryant); and many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nursing staff and aides at the Foothills Medical Centre in the Neurosciences and Palliative Care divisions.

A Celebration of Clarence’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Hookenson’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, 205 Horton St E, Suite 203, London, ON N6B 1K7 Telephone: 1-800-265-5106 Website: https://www.braintumour.ca/

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Clarence’s family here.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Clarence's Celebration of Life