William "Bill" Clark

William Leonard (Bill) Clark passed away on July 27, 2025, at the age of 98 at the Dauphin Personal Care Home, less than a mile from where he was born on December 17, 1926. His parents, Clifford and Freda (Sainsbury) had moved to Dauphin the previous year from Manitou, Manitoba, along with his two older sisters, Rae and Merle.

The depression years were challenging for the family and dad often pointed out the many houses they had lived in. Among dad’s first jobs were as a bellhop at the Hamilton Hotel and an assistant at Scrase’s Market at Clear Lake. When he turned 18, dad enlisted in the Canadian Army and served until the end of World War II.

On February 2, 1948, dad married our mom, Renée Allard, at St. Viator’s Church in Dauphin. They lived in Dauphin all their lives and raised their two sons there. After short stints working on the railroad and in the jewelry business in partnership with his friend Joe Neill, dad worked at Eaton’s until, in 1963, he began his education career. He attended teachers’ college in Brandon and later obtained his BA from the University of Manitoba. He was an excellent and exacting teacher of English at the DCTI and DRCSS, and many of his former students still mention the influence he had on them. Dad retired in 1982, though sadly our parents’ retirement plans were cut short by mom’s passing in 1985.

Dad remained active into his 90s. He was a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was an avid reader and an enthusiastic birdwatcher, particularly on outings with his friend Bill Walley. He loved music and sang in several choirs, including the Barbershop chorus for many years. He supported many community causes, serving on the boards of both Lorray Manor and the Gilbert Plains Country Club. Dad also enjoyed travel, especially his numerous visits to the UK and many parts of Canada. Though sometimes reserved, dad had a generous heart and sharp wit that we will always remember fondly.  

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Renée, his parents, sisters Rae (Jack McLeod), Merle, and Lorraine (Gerald Fowler), brother Gerald (Evelyn), and son-in-law Murray Mault. He is survived by his sons Paul (Maureen Neabel) and Robert, grandsons Linden (Steph) and Rowan (Aedin), great-granddaughters Lily and Sage, many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Lucille Heney and Pauline Allard, and his dear and devoted friend Lydia Bawdon and her family.

Students who studied “As You Like It” with Mr. Clark will remember the lines he had them memorize:

All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages. 

The family will celebrate Bill's life privately.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Dauphin & District Community Foundation.

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