The family of Clarence Protz of the Yorkton District, beloved husband of Sharon Protz sadly announce his passing on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Clarence was 82 years of age.

Prayers will take place on Sunday, May 15 at 7:00p.m.  from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, May 16 at 1:00p.m. from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Interment will follow in the Yorkton City Cemetery.

Memorials in memory of Clarence may be made to the St. Mary's Church Building Fund (155 Catherine St., Yorkton, SK S3N 0B9) as gifts of remembrance.

Clarence John Protz was the son of Mary and Steve Protz, and brother to Archie Protz. Clarence and his family lived and farmed in the Jaroslaw District. Clarence attended Jaroslaw school that was across the road from the family farm. He played baseball for the Jaroslaw Gophers (coached by Uncle Joe Protz). He would then attend St. Joseph’s College where he would Ukrainian dance; having once or twice to wash pots and pans for detention duties from the brothers.

Along with family farming, Clarence also worked at the Creamery and Poultry plant in Yorkton. Sharon, also working there met Clarence. He won Sharon’s heart over during work one afternoon lunch break. As Clarence was eating a homemade sandwich and crab apples, he offered Sharon his sandwich while sitting in his brand new green 1975 Chevy Impala. And thus their lives together began. Sharon and Clarence joined in holy matrimony on Aug 27th, 1977, at St Mary’s Church. Then the two moved into their small farm house that Clarence had bought from uncle Pete Wach. As uncle Steve Wach, taught Clarence how to operate road grader, which Clarence would grade the roads until 1982.

Clarence knowing math and carpentry very well, built an extensive addition to the farmhouse. Being a skilled woodworker, he helped his father in-law cut and harvest timber that would build both Millie and Bill’s house on the farm in Norquay, as well as his and Sharon’s own home additions. Many friends and family would help with the building. Clarence was a wonderful son in law who won everyone’s hearts in the family in no time. Christmas was a shared holiday with the whole family that included religious celebration, food, and fun card games that lasted until the early morning.

After seven years of marriage, Sharon and Clarence welcomed the arrival of their sons Trevor and Travis; their family was finally complete. Life on the farm began a new chapter for Sharon and Clarence. Clarence loved to teach all that he knew about farming to his sons, and continued to share all of his ideas as they grew. The boys were able to ride and steer the tractor while sitting on Clarence’s lap, where there was always a secure nap area made behind the tractor seat for them. Clarence loved supporting the boys after school activities, like Ukrainian dance, baseball, and hockey. Together the family enjoyed fishing at Tobin Lake, quadding, snow machining, skiing, curling, and camping. Clarence and family would attended Sunday mass, Friday rosary, visits to the cemetery, and annual trips to the beautiful Rama Grotto. Road trips would include the rosary, as it was an important and enjoyable part of the family travels.

As the years passed, Sharon and Clarence took pride in their boy’s ability to work the land and raise the cattle; it is one of Sharon and Clarence’s proudest moments. Clarence would retire from farming but was proud to see his farm enter the fourth generation in the good hands of his son Trevor. Trevor, alongside with the help of his family Geraldine, Taylor, and Brooklyn, who continue to expand and grow the farm. The farm first broke ground in 1897 by Maxim, which was continued by Steve, to Clarence, and now Trevor.

Clarence had patience of gold for everyone but especially during harvest when his green horn sister in-laws began operating combines and driving grain trucks. Clarence would be appreciative of the skilled neighbours that would come help wrap up harvest on the farm. And would happily return the favour when needed. Tailgate supper and jars of coffee were fine dining during harvest, as Clarence always enjoyed friends and neighbours coming over for coffee at the farm. No matter the occasion he would make time for conversation around the truck box where the best decisions were made. As cousin John said, “Clarence would even park the seeder to have a good visit”. Clarence had a fond love for all gatherings, reunions, anniversaries, weddings, and birthday celebrations. He enjoyed dancing too, as Maple Sugar would be a sure way to get him out on the dance floor.

Clarence spent his last days peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He still continued to enjoy the company of friends that stopped by for visits. He passed peacefully at home on May 12th, 2022, and will forever remain in our hearts, as he will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Forever loved by his wife Sharon, his sons Trevor and Travis†, and his family.