Memories and Celebrations of Life:
Obituary - Glenn “Knobby” Clark
June 29, 1933 - December 1, 2019
On a beautiful December morning with his family by his side, long retired RCAF Warrant Officer Glenn “Knobby” Clark, 86 years of age, maneuvored one last time into the wind and after a short run up, checked his mags and carb heat and slowly pushed the throttle forward and peacefully ascended for his final flight.
Knobby was born in Camden, Ontario and as a young boy moved with his family to Red Lake, Ontario during the Gold Rush. It was at this early age that he could be found hanging around the floatplane docks and received the nickname of “Knobby”, and his enduring love for flying. Following his passion, he joined the RCAF at the age of 17. The service took him to Foymount, Ontario where he met and married the love of his life for 64 years. Barbara “Bobbie” Swailes who was also at the time enlisted in the RCAF. Two girls, Donna and Kim, were born to Knobby and Bobbie. After 20 years of military service, Knobby retired and set down roots in Sioux Lookout. He and Bobbie bought into Slate Falls Airways in 1969 where he built up many thousands of hours flying floatplanes around Northwestern Ontario. During this time he started Knobby’s Fly In Fishing Camps, which at one time had 22 outpost camps and a local favourite Knobby’s Sportsman’s Restaurant. In 1986 they downsized and sold Slate Falls Airways and started a new company Sioux Air Ltd. Knobby could be found at all hours of the day sitting in his office below Knobby’s Restaurant or relaxing on one of his lounging couches on the office deck always with a big smile on his face greeting the tourists with
“Welcome to Paradise”.
Knobby’s biggest love was his family. He thought himself to be the luckiest man to have all his family working for him in the summertimes down at Knobby’s. His heart was his biggest asset. Be it family, friends, charities or donations to the community, Knobby was a champion at being very generous with his time, money and knowledge. For being such a strong and hard working man, he was the guy that would cry at Little House on the Prairie.
Knobby loved all sports and excelled at softball as a youth and golfed and curled well into his 80’s. He loved golf so much that he and Bobbie wintered at a home on a golf course in Mesa, Arizona and they became snowbirds for close to 35 years.
Left with so many great memories are his loving and faithful wife Bobbie, his daughters Donna (Dale), Kim (Dick), granddaughter Terri, sisters Adele McIntyre and Faye (Bill) Devins and his large family of nephews and nieces and not to leave out the menagerie of dogs that held such a special place in his heart.
Knobby was predeceased by his Dad Harold and Mom Myrtle, sister Leafa and brothers Stanley and Ray. He lost his loving granddaughter Dana tragically two years ago which took so much of the wind out from beneath his wings.
As per his request, cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of his Life later this summer. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Sioux Looks Out for PAWS through the Sioux Lookout Funeral Home, Box 1449, Sioux Lookout Ontario P8T 1B9.
A huge heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre who made Knobby’s final month as comfortable and peaceful as could be. The Clark family is extremely grateful.
All our love … Bobbie, Donna & Dale, Kim & Dick and Terri.
FLY HIGH AND FREE DAD
