William "Bill" Laurence Clarkson

Bill is survived by his loving wife Wendy, his children and step-children; Kim, Todd, Melanie, Julie and Marni, and his five grandchildren; Isobel, McLeod, Leah, Maren and Nathan. Bill also leaves behind daughter-in-law Sandra, son-in-law Ryan, many nieces and nephews as well as innumerable friends and former colleagues.

He is predeceased by his parents Frances and HK “Chappie”, his brothers Robert “Bud” and Donald “Buster” and sisters Patricia and Frances “Toots”.

Bill was born in Calgary at Western Hospital on May 9, 1939. He was the youngest child and was quite a surprise to his parents as they were well into their forties when he was born. He was very much the baby of the family and terribly spoiled, according to his sisters who took every opportunity to point that out.

Bill travelled from town to town as a boy, as his Dad worked in the oilfields throughout Alberta and Canada. Bill joined the Navy at age 17 and served for five years. He then moved to Calgary and worked at the Wales Hotel and then onto pipeline construction. He married Fran in 1967 and they had 3 children: Kim, Todd and Melanie. Bill travelled all over the world for work and he loved it, but also missed his family a great deal. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family. He opened Super Sub in 1977 and was very successful but the hours were too long so he sold it and went back to pipelining until he opened a tire shop. He later sold his share and semi-retired. Bill and Fran amicably divorced in 1989 but remained friends until his death. He started going to church and rediscovered his faith. He found a community and a belonging that he'd had as a child. He married Wendy in 2001 and gained two more daughters, Julie and Marni, who he loved very much.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Monday, February 20 at 2:00p.m. at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail SE.

The family ask that any memorial donations be made to the Calgary Food Bank.