E.I. Clarke Memorial Fund

The E.I. Clarke Memorial Fund was started in 1968 as a memorial to Edwin and Jean Clarke by their son, Edwin Clarke Jr. Edwin and Jean Clarke were active members in Robertson United Church from the time that they moved into the area in the 1940’s. Ed and Jean had two daughters Gladys and Ethel, and one son Edwin. The tenet of the family has always been “Faith, Family and Friends”. Thus, when Edwin Sr. passed away in 1967 his son felt that it was important to honour both his parents with this memorial.

Edwin Jr., was born in 1914 in Edmonton. He attended Bennett School, King Edward School, Scona High School and the University of Alberta. While attending university Ed started a trucking business, soon to be followed by Clarke’s Tire Ltd and Capital Retreaders. In 1939, he married Aileen Jensen, a recent nursing grad from the Royal Alexander Hospital. Together, they had three daughters: Sharon, Wendy and Judith.

Edwin served as president of the Edmonton Exhibition Board, president of Western Canada Fairs, and chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission. Edwin was also an Edmonton Alderman from 1950 to 1956. Ed started Edalca Hotels Ltd. which operated various properties in western Canada.

Edwin Jr. passed away in April of 2009, with his dear wife passing 6 years later in 2015.  In those 6 years Aileen was very pleased that her daughter Judith and grandson Thomas had undertaken the legacy of the E.I. Clarke fund. Judith and Thomas generously continue this work with annual donations to the fund. It is the wish of the Clarke family that this fund continue to provide service to the community that Ed and Jean were so passionate about.

Wesley Trust Fund

The Wesley Fund was established in 1971 when the Wesley United Church (originally, Wesley Methodist Church) building was sold. Proceeds of the sale were designated to be invested, with the proceeds donated to outreach projects in our community.