Scott Matthew Clendenning

Scott Clendenning was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 4, 1967, with loving parents Frances and Earl Clendenning. Frances and Earl Clendenning moved to Fort Frances, Ontario a few years after Scott and his brother Stuart Clendenning were born.

Scott was an active student and attended school entirely in Fort Frances. He completed his teacher training at Bemidji State University in 1992. As a teen, Scott worked at the family store, “Clendenning Company” and with the Town of Fort Frances Parks Board. Upon graduating university, Scott began his professional career working with high risk youth at Ivik Youth Services in Fort Frances, later transitioning to the beloved teaching positon he held until his passing with Seven Generations Educational Institute. The staff, teachers and community of Couchiching and Rainy River First Nations were family to Scott. He was also an allied officer with the Fort Frances OPP division, valuing his relationships with the staff and officers at the detachment.

Scott was a wonderful athlete. He was an avid swimmer and certified lifeguard. He excelled in bowling, boxing, cycling (before it was popular), volleyball, weight training, football, baseball and track. He was great at every sport but his passion was hockey. Scott played Fort Frances Minor Hockey from novice to midget, moving on to a stellar four year career with Fort Frances High School Muskies as team captain and gold medal champion. He played for Estevan Bruins Junior A in 1987-88 and then Bemidji State University’s Varsity Hockey program until 1992. Scott was a tough, skilled and spirited competitor. During his university career he was invited to attend a pro hockey camp. He respectfully declined the generous offer, choosing to pursue education, teaching and coaching.

Scott coached FFMH teams and Fort Frances Girls Hockey Teams from novice to competitive bantam and midget. He was also a long time board member, developing teaching and hockey programs specific to players that could not afford expensive hockey camps. He also coached the FFHS Muskie Girls Hockey team from 2010 – 2015, winning three league titles in four years with two appearances in OFSAA. Under his leadership and caring guidance the Muskie Girls Hockey team made history this year winning silver medal at OFSAA in Kenora, Ontario. Borrowing one of BSU Coach Bob Peters quotes, Scott would proudly say “when you play on my team, it is forever.”

Scott married the love of his life, Kim Belluz in 2010. Their wedding was an unforgettable evening filled with love, friendship, music and dance, something Scott and Kim continued to celebrate throughout their marriage. His favourite times were with Kim and the kids, at friends’ cabin or boating, enjoying their love and being together. Scott loved his wife, he loved his children and he loved his friends. His enthusiasm and open heart was a bright light to us all. The light that burns twice as bright sadly burns only half as long.

Scott will be remembered by loving wife Kim Clendenning, children Hailey, Calie, Jacob and Jenna, Lori Clendenning (Jeff McKinnon and Keifer). He will be remembered by his brother Stuart Clendenning and wife Denise (daughter Alyssa). Also remembering Scott are Kim’s parents Jim and Glenda Belluz and Kim’s brothers Travis Belluz (daughter Olivia and son Hunter) and Brad Belluz (daughter Jade). Scott was predeceased by parents Frances and Earl Clendenning.

A celebration of Scott’s life and memorial will take place on Thursday March 26, 2015 at 4:00 pm at the Memorial Sportsplex ’52 Canadians Ice Surface. Pastor Brian Keffer will be officiating.

Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, In Memoriam donations to Scott’s children’s education trust can be made to “Seven Generations Educational Institute” C/O Brent Tookenay 1455 Idylwilde Drive, Nanicost Complex Box 297, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M6.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.