Clarence Joseph Youngberg
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clarence Joseph Youngberg. Clarence passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Chilliwack General Hospital at 80 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Gillian (of 35 years), daughter Tracy (Jade), siblings Ursula, Marie, Trudy, Jack, Lenore, Patrick, and Wayne, grandchildren Samantha, Lucy, and Courtney, as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Myles, parents Marie and Gordon, and siblings Richard, Dennis, Bruce, Diane, Sheilagh, and Wendy. Clarence led an extraordinary life with many unique opportunities and experiences. He was born in Bellevue, Alberta, on January 26, 1937. After leaving home, he became an Aircraft Instrument Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1966, he worked as an Electronics Technologist for Marconi in Goose Bay, Labrador; it was here where he was contracted by the U. S. government to work on the DEW Line Base (Defensive Early Warning System). He then continued his career in electronics by travelling to Stanford University to receive training to prepare him to work on satellites at the geophysical station in Great Whale River, Quebec. In 1969, he moved to Prince Rupert, where he worked for City Tel. He also spent a lot of time on the water as a Commercial Fisherman. He then united his love of the ocean and electronics into employment with the Canadian Coast Guard. One of the most incredible experiences of Clarence’s life was travelling to the Arctic on the ice breaker, the Martha L Black, where he worked as an Electronics Officer. During his time in Prince Rupert, he became a Mason, was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and was an Officer with the Sea Cadets. In 1988, he moved to Banff, Alberta, and worked with Parks Canada. Shortly thereafter, he retired in 1992 and moved to Chilliwack. He came out of retirement in 2009 to become a Walmart Greeter where he thoroughly enjoyed connecting with people and helping his coworkers. Clarence never lost his sense of adventure and it was during this time that he drove his RV across Canada to reconnect with family. Throughout his life, Clarence always enjoyed the companionship of his four-legged friends Bryce, Otis, and Moses. He loved to cook and was a passionate collector of every kitchen gadget you could imagine! He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humour! Although Clarence had many difficulties in his life, he had a kind, giving, and generous spirit. He was always available to help someone in need, even if it was to his detriment. Clarence struggled in the last years of his life with various health issues, but he is finally at peace. He will be dearly missed by friends and family. The family would like to thank the paramedics of the BC Ambulance Service who attended to Clarence’s home and the staff in the Emergency Department of the Chilliwack General Hospital, particularly Dr. Bartlett and nurse Kim, who provided such compassionate care. There will be a celebration of Clarence’s life on Friday, July 21 at 2pm at Henderson’s Funeral Home. Clarence always loved animals; in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven in Clarence’s name.