"Sam" Elwin Leo Clemens

On April 13, 2024, we lost Sam (Elwin) Clemens. He was born November 14, 1946, to Leo and Audrey Clemens, in Oneida, New York.  He was the last leader and a founding member of Sam and the Seven Cs. The group was assembled initially with Sam and Carolyn, with Carolyn’s children Charlie (Roxi) and Claudine (Scott) DeShane onboard since the beginning. Slowly they added Chris (Annina), Curtis (Kim), Cory (Shauna), and finally Casey (Megan) to become the final ensemble.

Sam led us on many adventures. These included an initial plan to homestead in the Yukon, but on the journey west Sam started seeing the Rockies around Edson and made it as far as Folding Mountain Campground (1975) before deciding this was far enough. They found a slightly less mobile place to stay in Entrance before eventually moving out to Brule (1976). While there the adventures of housebuilding began, and plans were modified as the family grew. Outdoor activities were also a staple, highlighted by Volkswagen based dune buggies, snowmobiling (where he earned the nickname “Trader”), quadding, camping, sailing, fishing and hunting. Sam loved shooting, which naturally enabled his career in shooting trouble, whether that was in an engine room while serving in the US Navy, as a Millwright in the Stud Mill and Hi-Atha Sawmill, or finally as an Instrument Mechanic in the Pulp Mill.

Throughout all of this, Sam picked up friends and relationships with some very dear people. Many of these relationships may have had periods of absence, but when meeting up again resumed like no time had passed.

Sam was predeceased by his wife Carolyn Clemens, father Leo Clemens, and sister Claudette Malambri.  He is survived by his mother Audrey Clemens, brothers David (Ray), Mark, Kerry, and Craig Clemens, sister Maxine Bertrand, his 6 children Charlie DeShane (Roxi), Claudine DeShane (Scott), Chris (Annina), Curt (Kim), Cory (Shauna), and Casey (Megan),14 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

We wish to thank the Doctors and Staff at the Hinton Healthcare Centre for the care they provided Sam. Today we find comfort knowing that Sam’s journey into the afterlife started at the same place Carolyn’s did, so chances are she was waiting right at the start of the path, to give him a hug and a kiss, grab his hand, and start their next adventure.

A combined Celebration of Life in honour of Sam and Carolyn will be held in Brule in August.

‘The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.’ – Stephen King

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