Clarence was born April 18, 1916 in Huxley Alberta. He was the 12th of 13 children of Amelia and Charles Crocker. He spent his early years on a homestead in Fairview area of Alberta where he learned to plow fields, take in the crops and hunt wild game for food. In his teens Clarence took work on his sister Rosies farm near Huxley. It was there he decided the unstable work of farming was not for him. Clarence relocated to Kamloops where he worked on the railway and cut wood with his brother Ivan.
Clarence entered the army in May 1944 joining the Winnipeg Rifles, serving overseas in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Holland. He shared very little of the memories of the war years choosing only to share stories of happy times. Once discharged in May 1946 he worked in the Vancouver ship yards. He later moved to Hope with his brother Norm and again cut wood to make money. In the 1950’s they decided to come north to the Cariboo settling in Quesnel. Clarence transported new vehicles from the coast to the interior for local dealerships for several years. He also worked in mills, and hauled logs, working for Keis Trucking, Elgerts Saw mill, Weldwood, West Fraser and various others.
It was in the late 1950’s that he met Patricia who was the love of his life. He accepted her six children as his own and later three more were added to their family. They lived in various areas of the Cariboo finally settling in the Red Bluff area of Quesnel.
Clarence retired from West Fraser in November of 1986 and they moved to the Okanagan but soon found they were too far from the family and friends they so enjoyed. After six years they returned to Quesnel.
His retirement was enjoyed in good health with a simple lifestyle which incluced family gatherings of all types, graduations, and weddings. His social contacts with all he knew in the community was a highlight of his retirement. He enjoyed the Saturday farmers market, visits to the bank, barber, eye doctor and local stores, where he always found some one he knew to visit with. In consideration of the times he lived he remained positive and light hearted and so enjoyable to be around. Clarence always had a humorous story to tell.
In April of 2006 Clarence was surprised with a 90th birthday celebration. He was so thrilled with the turnout complaining with a laugh how he could not eat his lunch because everyone was talking to him. It was at this point the family would laugh because they knew who was really doing all the talking.
In April of 2007 on his 91st birthday he was pleased to let everyone know he was now 19 again. In the recent months he had traveled to Hope visiting the sand castles in Harrison Hot Springs, Minter Gardens and The Hope Train Tunnels. This was a wonderful time for him. In the days prior to his passing he was planning a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train, wanting to see the Rockies again.
Clarence was blessed with health, a sharp mind, a wonderful sense of humor and love from family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
Clarence is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Harold (Karen) Stevens of Logan Lake, Pat (Debbie) Stevens of Quesnel, Rick (Joyce) Stevens of Ft. St. John, Tom (Chrissy) Stevens of Quesnel, daughters Darlene (Marvin) Peters of Hope, Alanna (Ralph) Givens of Quesnel, Shannon (Gary) Duggan of Quesnel, 24 grand children, 14 great grandchildren, brother Myron of Grand Prairie and many nieces nephews.
Service to be held Satruday, July 14th 1pm at Maple Park Alliance Church.