Obituary of WILLIAM GERARD CLARKE

William Gerard Clarke June 25, 1936 – August 14, 2021 William “Bill” Clarke passed away August 14, 2021, at his home in Placerville, California surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born June 25, 1936, in Vancouver, British Columbia to Mary Olive and Richard Clarke, one of ten children. He moved to California after graduating from Vancouver College to help with a wholesale paper business his brother Wilbur had established in San Jose. Bill always had a “can do” attitude, challenging himself to drive and park large trucks on the hills of San Francisco when delivering paper. He also loved flying, especially landing float planes in the Vancouver area. In his retirement years, he and his wife Sonja enjoyed their many RV road trip, exploring the roads less traveled. Bill always loved spending time in nature, rockhounding, fly fishing and camping. He also enjoyed maintaining his home and wooded acreage as well as enjoying many family celebrations. In his younger years, Bill was a talented athlete and his picture from his football-playing days still hangs in his high school hallway. A sports enthusiast, he seldom missed watching his favorite teams: the San Francisco Giants , the 49’ers, and the Sacramento Kings. Bill is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 58 years, Sonja, cherished daughters Caren Clarke (Michael Abrams), Cathy Clarke-Amos (Brian), his beloved grandchildren Kevin Amos and Kaitlyn Amos, his sisters Olive Bucher and Ella Clarke, sister-in-laws Marinell Skretteberg and Elin Sigmundson Clarke and many dear nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved daughter Colleen Clarke, his parents, his sister Elaine and his brothers Alvin, Dick, Alf, Wilbur, Len and Joe and their spouses. Bill was a kind, gentle soul, totally dedicated to giving love to his family, church community and friends. He is sorely missed and will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Bill’s memorial Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 11 am at the Amani Center, 2558 Greenwood Lane, Suite D, Cameron Park, California. Lunch will be provided outdoors, as weather permits. We will be following local government guidelines and asking for indoor masking for the service. You will have a “Namaste Instead” sticker available to apply on your clothing if you would rather greet without a hug.