Obituary

In Loving Memory of

Dr. Clarence Harold Preitz

of Edmonton, AB
Feb 18, 1927 - May 30, 2018

 

Dr. Clarence Harold Preitz passed away early morning 30 May, 2018 peacefully in his sleep. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania he was the third son of Joseph and Anna Preitz. Dr. Preitz was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Fabian Preitz, his parents, and his brothers, Wallace, Leonard, and Lawrence. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Allyn (Preitz) Yankovich; grandsons, Matthew (Sarah) and Andrew (Luisa) and great-granddaughters, Peyton Joy and Charlotte Elizabeth; as well as his sister, Eunice (Preitz) Jones of New York and nieces and nephews in greater Philadelphia. Dr. Preitz received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1951) Millersville University, Millersville, Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Education (1954), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Doctor in Education (1969), Detroit. Prior to his career with the University of Alberta, he taught for ten years at Lansdowne-Aldan High School in suburban Philadelphia. Dr. Preitz retired from the Department of Secondary Education (1988), University of Alberta as Professor Emeritus. During his tenure at the University he was heavily involved with various professional organizations in industrial education. He was a trusted mentor and advisor to master and doctoral students and was instrumental in getting Alberta doctoral candidates into various universities in the United States as well as persuading many high school teachers to pursue higher level degrees. During summer sessions, Dr. Preitz accepted and enjoyed many teaching invitations, including McGill University, Montreal and Memorial University, St. John's. Provincially, he served as liaison with the University and Specialist Council, Alberta Teachers' Association. During World War II, he served as a midshipman with the United States Merchant Marines, in the Pacific theatre of operations. Later, he enlisted in the corps of engineers, United States Army, and was assigned to petroleum distribution on the island of Guam. Among the highlights of his teaching career, was to be selected by the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Japan (1988), as a special visiting professor to Joetsu University of Education, Joetsu, Japan. After his retirement, he enjoyed supporting the Faculty of Education and the University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta and the Fine Furniture Department, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He took pride in continuing to create one of a kind furniture pieces, keeping his garden flourishing and fostering his very meaningful relationship with the Alberta Thai Association, Edmonton.