CLARK, William “Bill” David
“Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy,
sunshine in my eyes can make me cry,
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely,
sunshine almost always makes me high.
If I had a tale that I could tell you,
I’d tell a tale sure to make you smile.
If I had a wish that I could wish for you,
I’d make a wish for sunshine all the while.”
Lyrics by John Denver
CLARK, William “Bill” David passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the age of 86.
Bill lived, worked and fished all of his life in and around Summerland. A true Summerland boy.
He will be sadly missed by his family and all that knew him. Bill was born in Summerland on January 21, 1928 to Jim and Margaret Clark. The youngest of five children. At the age of 17 he joined the Merchant Marines aboard the Alaska Prince helping in the galley and on deck when supplies were delivered up and down the West Coast. Upon his returned he met Dorothy Arnold and was married May 24th, 1952. They had three children. Over the years Bill worked at the Summerland Box Factory, Smith & Henry Trucking, helped build the Legion and worked for the Municipality of Summerland for 28 years driving school bus in the early years, helped build the road to Giant’s Head Park as well as driving the loader, trucks, and sand trucks for many years. Bill loved fishing, being outdoors on the water and in the fresh air and sunshine. He fished with many buddies on the lakes around Summerland, the Okanagan Lake and Douglas Lake many times with Gordon Stein. His Douglas Lake cap was his prize possession while living at Parkside Comfort Living and then Prairie Valley Lodge.
Bill was a member of the Summerland Royal Canadian Legion and was active in the B.P.O. Elks in Summerland until it was disbanded and moved to Penticton. Bill is survived by his daughters Barbara (Merv) Novak, Margaret (Zoltan) Kovacs and his son Tom Clark (Tracy McKelvey). Bill has 5 grandchildren Chevi, Cristal, Harley, Codie, Anthony. Bill was predeceased by his parents Jim and Margaret, his wife Dorothy, his brothers Jim, George, Andrew and sister Isabell. Bill will be remembered for being strong and steadfast throughout his life. He could be counted on for his bright, mischievous smile, his quick wit and the generosity of his time to help family and friends. Bill is now free to whistle and sing to his hearts content while fishing for the big one. Words can not express the family’s gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Bannerman, Lisa and Andrew Burt, Austin Lusted and all the Angels on the staff of Prairie Valley Lodge for the special quality of life and wonderful care Bill received over the past few years. Bill requested there be no service. He will be cremated. No flowers please but donations in Bill’s name could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer Society. Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com (250) 494-7752