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The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of Clare Martin can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

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Our Friendship with Clare

Clare became my friend at Westminster Seminary in September 1970. I was first year; he was grad year.  Where else do Canadians establish friendships? His daughters Daryl and Judy took care of our two kids several times that academic year.

When we returned to Canada after seminary in 1973, we deliberately passed through Nelson and  overnighted with Clare & Pat.  My wife Cathy was quite intrigued with the bright colors of some of Pat’s wooden chairs.  Ever since that visit and right down to this day we have had similar wooden chairs painted blue in our home.

When I decided to give up pastoral ministry in 1976, I phoned Clare in Edmonton, where he was pastor of Crestwood Presbyterian (RPCES) at that time.  I asked him for information about Christian schools in Alberta, because I was interested in applying for a position.  Instead Clare connected me with Robert E. (Bob) Salsman, pastor of Edson Baptist Church.  I subsequently visited Bob in Edson, found employment, joined his church, and worked with him to establish a Christian School in Edson, which continues to this day as Koinonia Yellowhead Christian School.  In this way Clare was God’s instrument in changing the direction of my life.  During this time, I believe I pulpit-supplied for Clare once at Crestwood.

When I was ordained a ruling elder in 2011, we renewed our old friendship with Clare and Pat though our mutual association with Western Canada Presbytery (PCA).   We really came to love Clare & Pat especially during the final years of their lives.  We were moved when we took coffee and Timbits to their place shortly before Pat’s passing.  In October 2016 Clare billeted us during Presbytery meetings.  We had a wonderful visit, and he was a tremendous host.  Sadly the day I phoned Clare was the day he made his last visit to the hospital, so I was unable to express my appreciation to him personally. I do appreciate Clare, and honor him.

 

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Posted by David Wootton
Monday October 2, 2017 at 7:28 pm
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