Former longtime Guelph Tribune editor cherished the Royal Metropolis, native information

Chris Clark loved Guelph and loved local news.

The former longtime editor of the Guelph Tribune died last week at the age of 67.

Clark started at the Tribune in September of 1986, when it debuted as the Royal Tribune.

Later called the Guelph Tribune, Clark retired as editor of the publication in 2015.

Jessica Lovell, a Guelph Mercury Tribune reporter who worked with Clark for several years until his retirement, spoke highly of how much he helped her hone her skills.

“He was one of the favourite bosses I’ve had in this business, offering both constructive criticism and positive feedback. And when he retired I always felt good when I heard from him about a story I had written,” said Lovell last week.

“I will miss him.”

Among the highlights during Clark’s Tribune career was being honoured with the inaugural Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s (ACO) Media Award in 2012 for his outstanding work highlighting Guelph’s heritage buildings and more. The award was created to honour writers in Ontario who have promoted a greater understanding of heritage significance and controversies.

“In sum, Chris has carried the torch for heritage,” said the ACO at the time, adding that he was well known for his passion for Guelph’s heritage and local architectural conservancy efforts.

In retirement, Clark “still devoured several newspapers a day, did the daily NYT crosswords, volunteered for several community organizations, and enjoyed travelling near and far to visit his children and stepchildren,” reads his obituary at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home and Chapel website.

Clark’s passion for Guelph and local news inspired him daily, said Guelph Mercury Tribune news editor Ned Bekavac, adding that Clark was a big fan of a hard-copy, physical newspaper.

“His nose for news — local news — was unparalleled,” Bekavac said.

Predeceased by his parents, and his brother Mike Clark, Chris is survived by his children: Marianne (Sean Stolp), Jeremy (Erin Wendland), Madeline (Ryan Kiely), Caroline Olechowski (Alex Cole), Alison Olechowski (Nicolas Papernot), and Lilah Olechowski.

“He will be forever missed by his loving partner of 27 years, Kate Revington, and remembered by former wife Margaret Boyd and her family,” reads his obituary. “His sisters Melinda Clark (Warren Thomson) and Jennifer Clark (Cam Hubbs), and brother-in-law Bill Revington (Gwen) loved him dearly, as did his nieces and nephews Robin, Elizabeth, Robert, and Duncan, and the extended Boyer/ Devlin/ Revington families.”

There will be a public visitation (masks required) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday July 25 at Wall-Custance Funeral Home and Chapel, located at 206 Norfolk St., in Guelph. A private family service and interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the following charities: West Willow Village Neighbourhood Group (via Canada Helps), The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Doctors Without Borders, Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch), or any other cause people think Clark would appreciate, reads the obit.

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