UNITY – Unity residents have been waiting and the time has now come. Unity chiropractor, Dr. Duane Clark has officially announced his retirement. He and wife Lois, took to social media to announce his last day of practice will be Jan. 5, 2024.
Best known as “Doc”, Clark has become a well-known figure in the community. Clarke grew up on his family’s farm near Flaxcombe and graduated from the Westcliffe Composite School in Marengo. Shortly after high school graduation, Clark travelled to Toronto, earning his doctorate in chiropractic medicine.
With his degree in hand, he moved back home to Flaxcombe. He had heard Dr. George Palmer in Unity was closing his clinic to retire, so the Clark’s came to look over the community.
“We were really impressed with how friendly the community was and how clean the neighbourhoods were as well. We knew this would be a good town to raise a family,” said Clark.
Clark saw the opportunity to continue chiropractic care in the town of Unity. On July 1, 1980, Doc, Lois and one-month old baby Ryan made the move to Unity.
Clark rented some office space to get started on his new business. He set up shop in the building that is now known as Jack’s Pizza, with his first day of work on August 18. Being Unity’s newest chiropractor brought him plenty of business over the first few years, so much so that the business had to move to its current location on Main Street in 1987.
Over the years, the Clark’s welcomed three more children; Jaymie, Stephanie and Devin. Clark said he was thankful they made the choice to come to Unity.
“It has been a great place to live, work and raise a family. The town offered great schools, sporting opportunities and event facilities,” he added.
Not only has Doc become a staple member of the medical community, he was also a valuable volunteer when it came to local sports.
He volunteered as a football official starting in 1999 and hung up his whistle 21 years later in 2021.
“I always enjoyed football officiating and since there is never enough officials around, I was always very busy. I used to do about 25 games per year,” Clark said in an earlier interview.
In 2009, Doc was recognized by the West Central Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association, being awarded the Outstanding Official Award. He also was asked to officiate in Canada Cup in 2014, which was being held in Saskatoon that year.
The clinic allowed not only Doc to work, but also his wife. Lois had worked part-time throughout the years as well.
“I am looking forward to being with the grandchildren more often, cheering them on with all their activities. It would also be nice to do some travelling and seeing some of the amazing sights the world has to offer,” said Lois.
With close to 45 years of experience, Clark spoke on the changes he seen over the years.
“One of the most important changes in the chiropractic world was when private insurance companies started covering chiropractic services. Those companies realize the importance of chiropractic services and had been increasing coverage amounts steadily over the last 10 years,” explained Clark.
The front office staff had also changed over the years, which many of them are still friends with the Clark’s.
“We have had lots of great staff members here at the clinic over the years. We will for sure miss Adele and Courtney, and we want to thank them for all their time and dedication,” said Clark.
The Clark’s have made Unity their home and plan to stay within the community, as many of their grandchildren still go to school here. They both attend many of their grandchildren’s activities and is still often seen sitting on the sidelines of the high school football games.
When asked what the most challenging part of not having to go to work every day, Doc said he will miss seeing people he has worked with over the years and meeting new clients.
The Clark’s retirement announcement many past and present clients are wishing them the best. Doc is excited for this new chapter in both his and Lois’ life.
“Dr. L. Jellison and Dr. E. Klopchic will be taking over the practice as of Jan. 8, 2024,” said Lois in the announcement.
“We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all our patients over the years who showed such devotion to the practice,” she added.
“I really have no plans for my first week of retirement except for turning my alarm clock off,” joked Clark.
