With sadness, the family of
W.A. (Bill) Clarke, announce his passing at Dunrovin Park Lodge on Monday July 24th, 2017 with his family at his side.
Bill was born August 26th, 1925 in Coombs, B.C. He served in the Canadian Army from January 1941 to 1945 in England, Italy, France and Holland. Bill worked in Victoria in the lumber industry and completed his trade as a finishing carpenter there.
In 1964, on a hunting trip to Quesnel with his father, he agreed to buy the Steve Johnson farm, near Bouchie Lake, on a handshake. He loved the Cariboo and the farming life. Of course, “training” five children to become expert rock pickers and haying hands was a big advantage as well!
Bill worked several years for Cariboo Homes, crafting pews for Clayton’s Funeral Chapel, windows and doors for the Billy Barker Hotel, Cariboo Jr. High School, etc.… He also bought his own logging truck in 1977 and hauled logs for West Fraser Mills for nearly 20 years.
Bill is survived by his sister, Joan Drysdale of Parksville, B.C., Son, Dan Clarke of North Vancouver, daughters, Linda Schwam in Alberta, and Andrea Todd (Doran) in Saskatchewan, Shannon Scott (Bob) of Quesnel, Judi McGee and Karen Clarke in Kelowna, 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 step-sons and 4 step-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, brother Don-1960, his wife Evelyn-2016 and son William-2016.
A memorial service is to be held at the Legion Hall, Saturday, August 19th from 2 pm till 4 pm.