BANFF – Known for her trademark smile, unwavering determination and a desire to help others, Clara Mentzelopoulos’ sudden death over the holidays has left the community of Banff in a state of disbelief and shock.
Born and raised in Banff, the 28-year-old was the youngest of four siblings and had a lasting impact on just about everyone she met, as was evident by the outpouring of love and support on social media soon after her death last Thursday (Dec. 27) in a multi-vehicle accident near Oyen, Alta.
“She was feisty her whole life and competed with the rest of us because she was determined not to be left behind by any of us,” said her sister Reenie Mentzelopoulos.
“She was just a wonderful, upbeat person and always did exactly what she wanted.”
Her drive to succeed could be seen in just about everything she set her mind to, from volunteering with the Banff Fire Department to exploring the mountains.
“Clara had such a positive attitude and outlook,” said Banff Fire Chief Silvio Adamo. “She was always ready to help and wanted to be involved.”
During her two years with the fire department, Adamo said she was a committed member and showed a huge amount of potential.
“She really wanted to be part of this team and her fellow members were really hit hard by this, as all of us are,” said Adamo. “She was very well loved.”
During her free time she never missed an opportunity to get outside and developed a passion for rock climbing, hiking and ski touring.
“Rarely did a week pass without her skiing into a backcountry hut, bagging a route, or running up a mountain ahead of a group of breathless friends or family members. She spent many hours at the Banff Centre climbing gym teaching kids the ropes and encouraging them to reach ever greater heights,” stated her obituary.
“If you were in her presence, you knew you were in for something amazing and memorable. You could also expect to be a little sore and tired the next day.”
As a teenager, she worked at her family’s restaurant, Athena Pizza, and graduated from Banff Community High School.
Following her graduation she studied archaeology at the University of Calgary before pursuing her passion to help others by becoming an emergency medical technician. She also found the time to volunteer at the local hospital playing piano, reading to, and feeding long-term care patients.
“Her spirit was luminous and her heart never discriminated. She was quick to extend her strong but gentle hand to anyone in need. She had an incredible ability to make all those around her feel loved, appreciated and safe,” stated her obituary.
Last spring, she packed up her Volkswagen and headed east to Manitoba where she spent the summer working at a lake resort creating new friendships and enjoying the outdoors. While she was there she met Robert Ewanchuk, who she described to her family and friends as the “love of her life.”
Friends and community members in the Bow Valley expressed their shock and disbelief on social media soon after hearing about her death.
“Clara had such a warm and generous spirit and always a smile on her face. My thoughts are with Tasos, Colleen, Reenie, Tommy and all of the Mentzelopoulos family,” wrote Leissa Remesoff.
Others described her as a “beautiful soul,” “exceptionally dedicated,” and a “special person.”
According to RCMP, she died in a four-vehicle accident that sent five others to hospital near Oyen, Alta., located approximately 300 kilometres east of Calgary.
The initial investigation revealed that an eastbound truck crossed the centre line into the path of an oncoming car driven by Clara on Highway 9. Two other westbound cars then collided, sending one of the westbound cars into the ditch. Police said conditions at the time of the collision were very icy and foggy.
RCMP members from Oyen and Hanna detachments, along with a RCMP collision analyst attended the scene, and the matter remains under investigation.
Clara leaves behind her parents and siblings, niece and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, and an army of friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday (Jan. 4) at the Banff Centre between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
