It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clarence Pister. Clarence passed away at Big River on September 15, 2026, at the age of 89. Clarence was born to Peter and Martha Pister on June 16, 1937, in Prince Albert, SK. He was the 5th child of 8 siblings plus a sister, Shirley, that died in infancy.

The family lived in Garthland, SK until moving to Big River, SK in approximately 1942. Here he went to school until Grade 9 after which he started his work career. Clarence spent most of his life working in the forest industry, from skidding logs in the bush with a horse team in the winter to booming logs down Cowan in the summer with his father. He eventually starting work at the Big River Saw Mill where he worked until retirement. It was during these years that he partnered with his brother, Wilf, becoming the “Pister Bros” with a backhoe and a small cattle farm.

Clarence married Priscilla (Bo) Nicholson on May 8, 1958. They had 4 children, Brent, Brenda, Rhonda and Ryan. They lived out on the farm by Delaronde Lake until retiring to town in 2005.

Clarence loved to play hockey. He started at the age of 8 playing school hockey. Goal tending was his position of choice. When asked why he always wanted to be the goalie he said, “because the goalie gets to play the whole game”. He said he was self taught, learning from his mistakes. He played on the Big River teams, Legion, Braves and any surrounding towns that needed him. Another of his most favorite things to do was to go fishing. Whether it was ice fishing in his hut on Cowan and Delaronde or in his boat on the lake. A day spent fishing was never a waste.

Clarence was a hardworking man who took pride in his work and in providing for his family. He was a man who appreciated working with his hands and could always find satisfaction in building, fixing, and creating something useful. Over the years, he has created many wood projects that he has donated and gifted to various organizations and people. He was always happy to lend a hand, offer advice or show someone how to do something.

Clarence treasured his time spent together with family and friends and the many memories made over the years. He was especially proud of his grand kids and great grand kids and loved spending time with them. His kindness, strength, humor and willingness to lend a helping hand will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and all the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

He is survived by his wife Priscilla; his son Brent (Linda) and their sons Jayson, Matthew (Sarah) and children Emma and Liam; his daughter Brenda and her children David (Lori and their children Tori and Parker), Gwen (her daughter Lexie), and Becky (Adam and their daughters, Sadie, Nora, Greta and Dottie); his daughter Rhonda and her children Jordan (Alerose and their daughter Octavia) and Rachel (Tegan and their children Holden and Hazel); his son Ryan (Gaytan) and their children Cody, James, Megan, Jordan and Ashley; two sisters Gladys and Barbara (Darcy); his sister-in-law Nadine (Shaun); his sister-in-law Marie

He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Martha; his siblings Katherine, Edna, Wilfred, Vernon, Stanley and infant Shirley; a son-in-law Brad.

A private family funeral will be held at a later date.

In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Clarence to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary (Box 846 Big River, SK S0J 0E0).

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.

• Date : 2026-09-15
• Location : Big River, SK