Clinton Thomas Wilson

WILSON, Clinton Thomas, 62 August 28, 1951 to April 28, 2014 Port Alberni, British Columbia Clint was snatched away from us on Monday, April 28th. He fought a determined battle with a late diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. His jovial and loving approach to life will be missed by everyone especially wife Lorraine, sons Matthew (Janice) grandson Murray, Graham, mother Lois, brother David (Gisela) and daughters Erica (Orion) and Katarina and numerous members of the Pryde, Vibar, and Wilson clans. Clint, truly an island boy, was born, grew up and came of age in P.A. He attained his B.SC (Geog.) at UVIC shortly after attending Malaspina. He spent a couple of years in the Okanagan but he missed the coast and island life, so he returned with Lorraine building a house where they would eventually raise a family. As a young boy in P.A. he played in the Salvation Army band and enjoyed the Scouting Movement, he also found time to play many sports such as rugby, soccer, hockey, and skiing. As Clint became older he loved to monkey wrench with his buddies on their various cars and was an avid member of the car club doing rallying and even racing the cars he helped to build. As a teen, Clint was a big fellow and worked weekends at the Somass sawmill where he continued until after graduation. He then worked as a steam engineer and cat operator at M&B Pulp and Paper for a year before he started at Malaspina College. Clint had big plans he wanted to work in the technology sector, specifically the M&B Data Centre. So while at Malaspina, he would not only balance his studies, he had a mean bridge game, worked part-time, and continued playing rugby, the game that only real men play. No pads, rougher tackles, alot more fun. Missing Lorraine, he followed her to Kelowna and there Clint worked at a music store and was appreciated by many musicians for setting up their guitars for their performances. Clint realized his ambition of working at M&B Data Center in June of '78 which included travelling to many divisions across the continent. If there was a puzzle to be solved he would take it on and solve it to the best of his abilities. He loved his technology, he knew anything and everything about computers. Well almost everything until Apple started rearing its popular head. This love of technology benefited everyone, not just employers but friends and family as Clint was everyone's tech support. He was always there to help out, he would take apart 2-3 computers just to build one for a friend or just because someone was in need of a computer. Clint enjoyed life and all his friends, always seeking a challenge and fun. He had that 'zest for life' along with a helpful, generous, and caring spirit. He took fashion cues from no one his signature look every day of the year was a golf or rugby shirt, a pair of shorts and white socks pulled high, so his ankles could not see the light of day. He never took himself too seriously and always saw the fun to be had. He was your typical down to earth kind of guy. Clint & his family were lucky to have had supportive bosses that allowed flexibility in his work schedule. When the boys were competing in swimming or playing soccer he was always there front and center. Many evenings after work Clint was out coaching soccer, fund raising, training new officials, or preparing a meet at the pool. Clint was an extremely dedicated Dad who took time to be involved with his boys. He also took time to help out family in Prince George at their farm with haying, a yearly trip that he loved and allowed him to get out "from behind the desk". He also took on leadership roles encompassing all three summer games hosted in Port Alberni, as well as becoming a Master Official in swimming. Over the last few years Clint was involved in the Gyro Club locally. He travelled with Lorraine to many Gyro events in BC, AB, and Washington. He had a strong sense of community spirit shown in his support of the Bulldogs, Curling Club, and AV Golf Club. Clint valued being able to work with his many buddies making the club facilities better through volunteer labour, fund raising, and membership development. He was a 'Foodie' before foodie was a word. How funny life is, Lorraine was a Home Economics Teacher! He loved pork products, his pickled eggs and was always up for trying something new. A heartfelt thanks goes out to family, friends, and neighbours for their support and kindness at this time. In true Wilson family fashion, schedules will be juggled so we may all have a celebration of life together in the near future. Announcements forthcoming. We will miss you Clint, you will remain in our hearts forever and in the bad jokes that we will continue to tell.