Clarence was born in Bowsman, Manitoba on March 31st, 1927 to George and Gladys Russenholt. He moved with his family from Bowsman to Minitonas in December of 1931, when his father purchased White's Hardware Store. Growing up, he attended local schools until Grade Nine, when he went to work for his father in the hardware store and on the family farm.

On November 3rd, 1948, Clarence was united in marriage to Winnifred Ethel Kirk in Swan River, Manitoba, and they enjoyed fifty-eight years together.

Dad continued farming until 1971. Prior to, during, and after farming, Dad found employment in various occupations throughout the Valley. These included hauling pulp, working with the Pioneer Elevator Repair Crew, Stevenson's Hardware, the Swan Valley Coop and the Swan Valley School Division. In 1980, Mom and Dad purchased and operated the Minitonas Café for five years.

Throughout his lifetime, Dad was very active in his community as a volunteer and as an elected official. Dad served as town councilor for eleven and a half years. He also served as a school trustee and served on the United Church Central and Local boards for a number of years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Minitonas Minor sports Association, in which he served in various executive capacities. He donated endless hours in the community with the Minitonas Hornets Hockey Club, the Minitonas Curling Club, minor hockey, and baseball.

Dad loved music! He was a member of the Charoleers, the Golden-Agers Choir, the Barbershoppers, and the Knox united Church Choir. He also enjoyed bowling and his time spent with friends at the Minitonas "Happy Gang."