SCOTT MATTHEW CLENDENNING

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that family and friends announce the sudden passing of Scott Matthew Clendenning, 48, on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Huatulco, Mexico.
Scott was born Feb. 4, 1967 in Winnipeg, Man., with loving parents Frances and Earl Clendenning.
Frances and Earl moved to Fort Frances, Ont. a few years after Scott and his brother, Stuart, 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 the Seven Generations Educational Institute.
The staff, teachers, and community of Couchiching and Rainy River First Nations were family to Scott. He also was 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 also 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 provincial 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 FFMHA teams and Fort Frances girls’ hockey teams from Novice to competitive Bantam and Midget. He also was a long-time board member, developing teaching and hockey programs specific to players who could not afford expensive hockey camps.
He also coached the FFHS Muskie girls’ hockey team from 2010-15, 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 by winning the silver medal at OFSAA in Kenora, Ont.
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’ cabins 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; and Lori Clendenning (Jeff McKinnon and Keifer).
He also 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 his parents, Frances and Earl Clendenning.
A celebration of Scott’s life and memorial will take place Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 4 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre (’52 Canadians Arena ice surface), with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.
Flowers gratefully declined.
If desired, in memoriam donations to Scott’s children’s education trust can be made to the Seven Generations Educational Institute c/o Brent Tookenay, 1455 Idylwild Dr., Nanicost Complex, P.O. Box 297, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M6.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com