Monday, November 28, 2011

William "Bill" John Clark 1917-2011


Bill birding at Pelee in May 2009.
photo: Ian Clark


It is with great sadness that I report the passing of William (Bill) John Clark of Ottawa on November 25, 2011 at the age of 94. Bill was a longtime birder in the Ottawa birding community starting back in the late 1960's. A Christmas gift, binoculars, from his wife in 1968 reignited his interest in birding and in 1969 he joined the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club. He participated on the Ottawa Christmas Bird Count for many years and took part in the first Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas,1981-85. Bill first visited Pelee in May, 1974 and would become an annual fixture along the trails at Pelee. This trip would become an annual event for decades with his last visit in 2009. He will be fondly remembered by
"The Ottawa Bike Gang", a group of teenaged "biking" birdwatchers, back in the 70's, who owe Bill a lot of gratitude for the numerous car rides to local rarities. He will be sadly missed by all.
Condolences can be emailed to Bill Clark's son,
Ian Clark ipclark@rogers.com





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