In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

Bill enlisted in the RCN at Esquimalt, BC on 15 Jul 1941 and was honourably released at Esquimalt, BC on 16 Dec 1948.

CLARK, William George (Bill) - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Clark on December 30, 2004 at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, B.C. Bill was predeceased by his son, Dan; his parents Wm. and Ethel Clark; his stepmother Miriam; and Aunt Gladys and Uncle John. He will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Armande. A true "Patriarch" of his extended family, he is fondly remembered and missed by his son, Ray (Kate); his daughters, Suzanne (Barry) and Lori (Bruce); his grandchildren, Chay (Jennifer), Shawn, Jason, Chris, and Danny, and his great-granddaughter, Rhianna. He leaves in passing, his sister, Anne and her husband, Bob; his son-in-law and special friend, Vance (Margaret) and his dear ones... Gary, Fran, Dawn, Howie, and many other family members and friends. Bill was born and raised in Hamilton Ontario, December 17, 1923. He enlisted and served in the Royal Canadian Navy (1940 - 1948) as a Gunner, and then a Leading Tel (communications). He served bravely with his comrades in active duty at Sea throughout WWII then in peacetime at Navy stations in Prince Rupert and Aldergrove. On a Navy Training Course in St. Hyacinthe, Que. Bill met the love of his life, Armande. They married and resided in Abbotsford in 1946, and raised their family. Bill worked for Brenner Motors (Armstrong GM) as a Bookkeeper and later as Gen. Mgr., and his love of the industry began. In 1955 they moved to Langley where Bill started his own Ford Dealership, Wm. Clark & Sons Ltd., then later Wm. Clark. Ford Sales Ltd., which he operated successfully for over 40 years. Many hours were spent with his working endeavors and he acquired longtime friends, staff, and working associates, including his dealer partner and friend, Harvey Mohr, and Business Advisor and friend, John Simpson. Bill was especially grateful to his loyal staff, who supported him throughout his career. He appreciated and was thankful to all his Customers who patronized his dealership, and often made life long friends of them along the way. Bill Clark gave tirelessly and generously to many community projects, committees, organizations, charities, hospitals, churches, friends, and family all through his life. He was known as a " Real Character" with a big heart. He was our Mentor and strong Papa. Bill loved to travel with Armande, he enjoyed our many family gatherings, and his daily walks. He loved sports, and sponsored Jr. hockey and baseball teams, and was always happy to Emcee" at the annual Wm. Clark Ford Golf Tournaments. Bill was actively involved with the Automobile Dealers Association, and we would like to give a special thank you to Gordon Dams (Dams Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd.) and George Preston (Preston Chev Olds Cadillac Ltd.) for assisting our family, and sharing with us, our Father's outstanding contribution and accomplishments both in the Auto Industry, and their longtime personal friendships, experiences, and memories of our Dad. Thank you to the Staff's of Peace Arch Hospital and Peace Portal Lodge for their caring of our Father in his time of need. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held in the Spring, at Valley View Memorial Gardens, 14644 - 72 Avenue, Surrey, B.C. Family, friends, associates, and all who wish to attend are welcome. A future notice with time and date will be posted. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and Yukon. (The Vancouver Sun 13 Jan 2005)

Awards and Decorations: The 1939-1945 Star, The Atlantic Star w/ France and Germany bar, The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, The War Medal 1939-1945

(WGC001) Service documents for William (Bill) Clark

(WGC002 - WGC003) Bill Clark (left) and Friend - Oct 1944

(WGC004) V.E. Day newspaper front page - 09 May 1945

(WGC005 - WGC006) HMCS ALDERGROVE 1946 Softball Team - From the collection of MS B. Anderson / William (Bill) Clark