William CLARK

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CLARK: William John “Bill” Clark, July 11, 1945 – November 9, 2010. It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, dad and grandpa William John “Bill” Clark, of Miniota, MB. Bill died on November 9, 2010 at the Hamiota District Health Centre, Hamiota, MB, at the age of 65 years, following his battle with cancer. Bill was born on July 11, 1945, the third of eight children to Elmer and Evelyn (Lelond) Clark and was raised on the family farm at Isabella. He attended school at Isabella and following his grade 12 at Miniota, he travelled to Alberta with his cousin, Kevin Lelond to seek his fortune. Upon the death of his father in 1966, Bill returned home to take over the family farm. He was proud to be the 3rd generation to take the reins on that land, and thus began his farming career. Bill married Linda Reid on July 11, 1970 and together they raised their family of four children, Julie, Daryl, Cherilynn and Trevor on the Clark family farm. Forty- four years later, Bill was still very proud to be farming and though Bill and Linda had made the move to town three years ago, he had not yet slowed his farming pace. He was proud to have farmed these last years with his son Trevor and felt the Clark Century farm was indeed in wonderful hands with Trevor. Bill loved to garden and spent hours creating a new and beautiful yard at their home in Miniota. He delighted in teaching his grandchildren to also love nature and gardening. Simple things such as walking daily to the garden , holding a grandchild’s hand, to check the growth of the pumpkins warmed his heart. Bill taught his children many powerful lessons over the years, the most important of which was that family comes first. There was always time made for family and Bill made numerous sacrifices and choices that centred around placing his family first. Bill enjoyed and treasured his hockey friendships and the road trips for Daryl and Trevor’s hockey days in Miniota, Elkhorn and Birtle. Bill was proud of his four children and the work ethic they had developed. There was never a lack of time, food or space for additional family and friends. Upon marrying Linda, Bill’s family grew to include The Reid Clan, definitely an important part of his life. The Clark family grew to include sons and daughter-in-laws and his children and their spouses agreed that a better dad/father-in-law could not exist. The next lesson was that communities are built with the effort and passion of the community members, which requires people to step up. Bill believed in his communities of Isabella and Miniota. As a 4-H member of the Decker 4-H Beef Club, Bill developed a love for showing cattle as a young person. He became the head leader of the Miniota 4-H Beef Club, a position he held for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed working with his own four children as well as the youth in the area, training and encouraging them to take an interest in the beef industry. Bill served as municipal councillor for Ward 3 of the RM of Miniota from 1972-80. During his tenure, he was particularly proud of the building of the new RM office as well as his representation on the board of the new Hamiota Vet Clinic built in the 70’s. Bill also served on several other boards: Isabella United Church Finance board, Isabella Hall and Rink boards, Quadra Elevator, Hamiota and Virden Vet Clinic Boards. In 2002, Bill chose to take on the role of Reeve of the RM of Miniota, and immensely enjoyed the challenge, having just chosen to serve a third term. He was proud of the many RM projects: the re building of the Prairie Grain Road correction line, the lagoon project, the new Armitage bridge and was looking forward to the new addition to the municipal office. Family was paramount to Bill. He loved all Clark and Reid family gatherings. His eight grandchildren brought great joy to him and he marvelled at the different personalities and growth of each grandchild. How excited he was for the arrival of his 9th grandchild, and how he would have loved Reese Isabella who arrived on November 15, 2010, days following his death. Each grandchild relished their time with their grandpa, for he had the knack of making each grandchild feel they were the most special one of the lot. Bill was happiest when visiting his grandchildren or when they visited him. Bill had a gift for making friends. His genuine like for all people, his ability to see good in those around him, and the effort he made to greet everyone in his path, earned him the title of “everybody’s friend”. We have been truly blessed to have Bill in our lives.Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children: Julie Clark Dexter (Kevin Halipchuk), Daryl (Melanie) Clark, Cherilynn (Kirt) Pizzey, and Trevor (Abby) Clark; his grandchildren: Aidan Dexter, Reese Halipchuk, Ella and Cauy Clark, Ryley and Carter Pizzey, and Heidi, Avery and Landon Clark; his siblings: Clare (Doreen) Clark, Kathy Morton (Andre Bisson), Ron (Irene) Clark, Irene (Jack) Bryant, Barry (Dianne) Clark, and Bob (Doris) Clark; his mother- in-law, Hannah Reid; his in-laws: Marilynn Reid, Harold Reid, and Donna (Scott) Gammack ; his Aunt Maud Lelond and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was predeceased by his parents: Elmer Clark and Evelyn Clark McKenzie; his brother, Cliff Clark; his step-father, Wes McKenzie and his father-in-law, Frank Reid. A service of celebration to honor his life was held November 12, 2010 at the Miniota Community Hall with Rev. Heather Robbins officiating. Interment was at the Isabella Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ken Armitage, Leonard Lelond, Kevin Lelond, Mac Lelond, David Lelond and Ron Bell. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Miniota and Area Foundation, Box 70, Miniota, Manitoba, ROM 1MO or to the Hamiota District Health Centre Foundation, Box 671, Hamiota, Manitoba, ROM OTO. Campbell’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. “All that we love deeplybecomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 27, 2010