LAKEPORT, Calif. – Clarence Jay Wilson died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, in Santa Rosa, Calif. He was 102 years old.
Born March 17, 1912, in Kinistino in Saskatchewan, Canada, Clarence was one of eight children raised by Alvin and Lillian Wilson.
He married Gloria Stone on Aug. 4, 1935. In 1953, the couple relocated to the Pacific Northwest with their two sons, Barry and Terry, and their daughter, Garreé.
The family resided in Monterey County for 24 years. Tragically, Clarence and Gloria’s son Barry was killed in a shark attack off the Peninsula at the age of 16.
Clarence supported his family with his own tire shop business early on and later sold real estate and worked in property development with his wife Gloria.
During his working years, Clarence also worked as a bus driver, postal worker and building contractor. Skilled in woodworking and appliance repair, he earned a reputation in the neighborhood as the fix-it man.
An accomplished musician, Clarence played the saxophone, clarinet and violin professionally with his own band, “Wilson’s Music Makers” as well as with the “Herb Miller Band” (brother of Glenn Miller). He enjoyed playing the guitar, banjo and organ as well.
He was an animal lover, devoted to the family pets and cared for up to 13 dogs at a time. He was an avid rock and gem collector and enjoyed jewelry-making. Clarence was fond of nature-watching and preferred living in the country. He also loved spectator sports, especially baseball.
Most of all, Clarence will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends and his remarkable story-telling skills.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, who passed away in 2009; and all three of their children, Barry (1952), Terry (2005) and Garreé (2000).
He is survived by his brothers, Stan Wilson of Ontario, Canada, and Earl Wilson of British Columbia, Canada.
Clarence also is survived by his daughter-in-law, Donna Deal of Carmel Valley, Calif.; his grandson, Clint Wilson of Carmel Valley; and three granddaughters, Julie Dinkins of Cotati, Calif., Shari Dinkins of Peoria, Illinois, and Dawn Pendleton of Arroyo Grande, Calif. Clarence also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, including his niece Carol Fergus of British Columbia, Canada.
He also is survived by his great-grandson, Brandon Wilson of Carmel Valley; and his great-granddaughter, Nicole Pendleton of Atlanta, Georgia.
Several years ago, Clarence was blessed to become acquainted with another daughter, Denise McKay of Ontario, Canada, and is survived by Denise and her four children, including her daughter Pat Eberhard of Ontario, Canada.
An informal celebration of Clarence’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at the recreation center of Perks Estate, where he resided for 27 years.
Clarence would have preferred that his beloved family and friends pay tribute to his memory with love, laughter and music.
For those who still wish to make a contribution on his behalf, his family suggests supporting Hospice Services of Lake County or Music Academy of the West (which supports young musicians) or your local Humane Society.
