Obituary of William Henry Clack

Sgt. (RCMP) William Henry ClackDecember 15, 1932 - May 1, 2020It is with profound heartfelt sadness that the family of William (Bill) Clack announce his passing on Friday, May 1, 2020 at the Sheridan Villa Long Term Care Home in Mississauga, Ontario. He succumbed to complications related to the COVID-19 virus, in addition to dementia.Caring father. Thoughtful. Hard working. Gentleman. Kind. Funny, terrific sense of humour. Always willing to lend a helping hand. These are the genuine sentiments of those who knew Bill. Bill is survived by his daughter Ginny (Barry), son Scott and pre-deceased by daughter Cory (Albert) and daughter-in-law Kim. He is also survived by Aunt Irene and sister-in-law Joan Clack. Pre-deceased by father Dilwyn, mother Gladys, sister Shirley (Roy, Reg) and brothers John (Joan) and Dil. He will be missed by Faye (Ewing), Brenda and Murray, and Rainer (Cathy). Uncle to Elaine (Larry), Judy (Randy), Norm and Sharon, Hazel, Lianne, Wayne, Cheryl and John, Laurel and Steve. Grandfather to Lena, Tim, Erich, Sadie and Matt, Fallon and Jillian plus Great-grandfather to Rollie.Bill graduated from his basic training with the RCMP in 1951. His initial assignments included Jasper and Banff Alberta. He met his future wife Faye through RCMP colleagues and was assigned to Calgary, then Edmonton and finally Toronto. He finished his career with the RCMP in 1977. Rather than opting for retirement, Bill started a second career by opening and operating a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) franchise he and his brother-in-law/partner Murray Chantler called Toronto-North KOA near Bradford, ON. Bill was well suited for this business, welcoming people from all over the world. For a time, he operated his own tours taking great pride in showing off the city of Toronto and GTA. The Clack and Chantler families both worked at the KOA and often recount many funny and warm stories about Bill. He retired from that business in 1986 but would still speak warmly of the friends he had made while enjoying life at the KOA.Once fully retired he moved to Barrie, where he purchased a home that backed onto the golf course at Horseshoe Valley to pursue one of his passions; golf. He was not only an avid golfer but an incredible gourmand who loved hosting the family who were happy to play a round with him and enjoy a great meal prepared by him. Bill was also an amazing gardener. His home in Barrie [as with all his homes] were landscaping masterpieces with lush green lawns, immaculately trimmed and gardens overflowing with aromatic flowers. Bill also loved sports. He enjoyed hockey during his childhood and as a young adult. In his 30’s, he became an avid curler and was a well-known fixture at the Dixie Curling Club in Mississauga. Skiing was a much-loved activity when stationed in Banff, and became a shared activity with his family that he continued well into his 50’s.Travel was certainly his favourite passion. He visited all the provinces of Canada, many states in the US, and many more countries in Europe and the Middle East. He frequently visited with Ginny and Scott and their families when they lived in Vancouver and Calgary. He often took time to see other family members of the extended Clack clan when he was in their neck-of-the-woods. In the1990’s, he learned of an opportunity that combined his love for travel with his incredible ballroom dancing skills and became a “Gentleman Host” for several cruise lines, heading away for weeks and even months at a time; dancing his way around the world. Although Bill suffered from vascular dementia for his final 7-8 years of his life, his core character traits stayed with him to the end. He was known for always having a smile on his face and wanting to help other residents or staff at the homes where he resided. A staff member at Sheridan Villa remarked that she fondly remembers Bill as a true gentleman, who showed kindness to all his fellow residents and their families. He could always be counted upon to help get activities rolling, and enthusiastically participated in the sing-along sessions. He retained his “gift of the gab”; easily connecting with anyone. Staff at Sheridan arranged a memorable tribute to Bill, to pay respects for the meaningful way he had touched their lives - as he had for so many people through his lifetime. Bill’s family wishes to offer their sincere thanks to the many staff at Sheridan Villa who provided excellent care for him over the past two years. Bill will be cremated at the Glen Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, in Oakville ON. When large gatherings are permitted in the future, a Celebration of Life for Bill will be held to allow family, friends and acquaintances to get-together, share memories, and most importantly hug each other to show how much we loved and cared for him. Donations in Bill’s memory should be directed to Sheridan Villa’s Volunteer Services.William Henry Clack - you will be missed. Rest in Peace.