Clarence Bernard Zimmerman

Clarence Bernard Zimmerman, born October 15th, 1938 in Regina, Saskatchewan, predeceased by his parents, his brother Marvin and sister Amelia, and his son Darrel. He is survived by siblings Alfred (Marge, predeceased), Darlene (Joe, predeceased), and Donalda (David, predeceased), wife Darlene, daughter Christina (Julien), sons Shawn (Angela) and Kelly, grandchildren Darion, Kaitlyn (Jaron), Alyssa (Austin), Maddison, Camryn, Zachary, Ethan, and Kaydince, and great-grandchildren Anya and Nicolai. He moved to BC and began working as a truck driver before starting as a Millwright at the Pulp Mill in Port Alberni for over 30 years. He met, and eventually married, Darlene Lacey in 1969, welcomed a son, Darrel, in 1970 and a daughter, Christina, in 1972. After losing their first son to leukaemia in 1977, Kelly and Shawn were adopted in 1979 to complete the family.

Family was important to Clarence. He was close with his siblings (literally, his two sisters lived down the street for a number of years in Qualicum), he cared deeply for his children and (great) grandchildren, and his wife was his number one priority. If he and Darlene were not travelling, they made every effort to support their grandkids at sporting events and competitions.

Clarence had many hobbies. He curled for many years until it was time for the kids to start sports, when he became the taxi driver for many games and practices. His involvement in the Model Railroad Club meant that half the kids’ playroom was set up as a model railroad village. He loved the outdoors, and camping was a favourite pastime. From a camper in the 70's, his family was able to see most of the island and province. Life-long friendships were formed with the camping buddies; they even ventured to Saskatchewan in the truck and camper one summer.  They kept the camper for over 20 years until they got their first 5th wheel. Clarence seemed to have all the toys: tents, canoe, aluminum boats, a hobie cat, windsurfer and a seaworthy fibreglass boat, for fishing, adventuring and waterskiing. Clarence never was one for swimming though…he would just jump in belly flop-style to cool off…he preferred staying above water.

In the colder months, Clarence enjoyed skiing from the early days of Mount Arrowsmith to Mount Washington. Spring Break getaways found him and his family in Whistler, Vernon and even Bend, Oregon with longtime family and friends.

He almost always had a side hustle whether it be for passion or pay, building custom wood stoves in the early days before they were regulated, and working after hours recycling metal from the Pulp Mill. Outside of the usual extra curricular chores, Clarence could be found teaching his kids the value of a dollar. Their first jobs were with him so they could get the extras that they wanted. From model railroads, he moved on to bigger challenges and in the 1990s started restoring tractors, joining the tractor clubs and participating in the Comox Valley Exhibition and Alberni Valley Fall Fair and the Show and Shine in Qualicum for Fathers Day. He also participated in many a Parade, representing the Green and Yellow for many years.  He would sell a tractor and buy another one to restore…he always had a project on the go. If he could build it instead of buy it…he would try that first.  Once us kids were homeowners, he was there to lend a hand…knowing the importance of adding equity to a home, he helped with flooring, windows, doors and more… Many times he would show up with a tool belt and box with late Uncle David as his sidekick ready to lend a hand and get the job done.

Clarence retired at 58, when he and Darlene traded the camper in for their first 5th wheel and started their lives as snowbirds, heading south to various resorts between Arizona and Mexico. They met many wonderful friends along the way, and were gone for 5-6 months of the year for over 20 years. After a few years, they upgraded to a bigger 5th wheel before finally trading it in for the motor coach roughly 10 years ago. Their final trip was unfortunately cut short when COVID shut the borders down. Shortly after then, Clarence’s health started to decline.

Dad, as I sit here reflecting on your life… you were a doer, a builder, a teacher, an adventurer and a friend to many you met along the way….I loved how you had your business cards to hand out to people you met on your travels…You loved life, loved your wife and kids and (great) grandkids. Grandpa's workshop will always be a special place in our memories.

On January 25th at 8:05 pm Clarence took his last breath surrounded by family holding hands. He waited until we were all together and passed peacefully. We love you, Dad, you sure are missed!

Clarence’s family would like to express their deepest gratitudes to Trillium Hospice for caring for him in his final days.

A Repose of the Soul Mass was held for Clarence at his church in Port Alberni, the Holy Family Notre Dame Roman Catholic Parish, on April 26th, 2022. A celebration of life will be held for Clarence at his home on the afternoon of July 23rd, 2022. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to an organization of your choosing in Clarence’s name.