Clarence Arthur Gladstone Lovell passed away February 8, 2007, three weeks after the heartbreaking loss of his youngest son, Bob at age 50.
Clarence was born May 7, 1922 at Mission General Hospital to parents Charlotte Ann Smith of Lancashire, England and Clarence William Lovell of Toronto. Clarence is survived by brother Charles Lovell of Surrey and sister Dorothy Logan of Cumberland.
Clarence was predeceased by his loving wife, Bernice Lovell (Towle), his first born George Clarence William Lovell at 3 months old, his last born son Robert (Bob) Bruce Lovell, two brothers Norman and Leslie Lovell and sister Evelyn Grant.
Dad’s youngest years were spent mostly in the Hatzic and Deroche areas as Dad’s father was a section foreman for the CPR Railway until his sudden passing at age 49. Dad’s mother Charlotte then spent the rest of her days alone, raising her children to be fine citizens, a fact that was near impossible during the hungry thirties.
Dad’s teen years brought him both everlasting love and a world at war.
Dad received his early schooling in the Deroche area where he met the love of his life, Bernice Towle. The couple married just after her 16th birthday on October 31, 1942 in Floods, B.C. Dad was only 20 years old and the army had enlisted him for World War II. He trained with the “L” troops in Esquimalt, B.C. and was then deployed as a motorcycle dispatch rider in bases across Europe, with the Canadian Armed Service Core.
It was while he was in Esquimalt training that his first born passed away. Clarence and Bernice went on to have children, Donna (Jack Mayer), Gary (Darlene) Lovell, Larry (Janette) Lovell, Betty (Don McKenzie), Gail (Glen Mighton) and Bob (Deleenia) Lovell.
Dad jumped quickly back into life after WWII, working first in the Skagit area, logging. A bad accident on a log landing sent him to hospital for many months and almost cost him his life. Once home, he decided that after going through the 1948 flood in the Fraser Valley, he was moving his family to Quesnel. In 1950 he arrived and soon after purchased 40 acres in the Moose Heights area. He worked many years for Weldwood and then worked until his retirement at West Fraser Mills.
As with Mom, the couple always welcomed family and friends, teenagers and hunters into their home, which acted like a base camp for weekly activities.
In summer all the family collected firewood (9 or 10 cords at least Dad would say), and bushels of wild blueberries growing right outside the back door. A huge summer garden was also very necessary to survive the long, cold Cariboo winters.
Dad’s favorite hobby was going out hunting in the early hours of the morning as he truly believed one should never miss a sunrise or a sunset. He was at his happiest with a thermos, a lunch box, his Toyota pickup (complete with a tailgate picnic table) and Mom by his side. Dad also loved working with wood and shared this with his children and grandchildren.
A service was held at Clayton’s Funeral Home, February 15, 2007 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Norm Botterill officiating. The Royal Canadian Legion Honor Guard gave final farewells.
Grandson Clint McKenzie of Kelowna, gave a wonderful eulogy, followed by the poem “Father”, written by Gail. Granddaughters Charlotte Lettington, with Wendy Brown and Loretta Mighton read a special tribute to Grampa. The songs, “Look at Us, Daddy’s Hands and Remember When” were chosen by Gail and Charlotte and beautifully arranged into a power point presentation by Jamie Dillabough and Charlotte Lettington.
The bagpipes played “Amazing Grace”, as interment followed at Quesnel & District Municipal Cemetery. Pastor Norm Botterill recited,”The Lord Is My Shepherd”, as each child, grandchild and great grandchild placed flowers. Cadet Riley Mufford, a friend and neighbor to Dad, stood proudly in uniform at Dad’s gravesite. Dad was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Bernice, by pallbearers; Charles Lovell of Surrey (Dad’s brother), Darci Lovell, Jody Mighton, Shane Lovell, Brandon and Trevor Mayer and by Honorary Pallbearers: Curtis Lovell, Todd Mighton, Tristan Mayer and Darren Lovell.
A tea followed at the Golden Centre and at Clarence Lovell’s home.
As Clint McKenzie so beautifuly said in his eulogy: “Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa, you have stood tall for all of us. Because of you we live each day with strength, determination and purpose.” Quoting the words of a famous poet: “There is a time for work and a time for love. There is no other time.”
Thank you Dad for all those times. Rest in peace.We love and miss you so.