June 13, 1929 - March 10, 2025
On March 10, 2025, Revelstoke lost a much loved member of the community. Clarence, (Clancy) passed away at Mt. Cartier Court with loved ones by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Revelstoke Recreation and Aquatic Centre, 600 Campbell Street.
Clarence was born on June 13, 1929, son of Fred and Mary Maud (Arbeau) Boettger in Salmo, British Columbia. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Aileen Oglow and Bertha LeHue and by two daughters, Patsy Turk and Lola Hagen.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth and children, Peggy Mottishaw of Chilliwack, Donalda Wiggins of Sedro Woolley, Washington, Dale Boettger of Trail, Tracee Boettger of Gabriola Island; and stepchildren; Rob Prosser of Mission, Alan Prosser of Maple Ridge, Cynthia Prosser of Revelstoke, Lance Boettger of Cranbrook, Lance Jones of Golden, Jocelyn Jones and Jennifer Jones of Strathmore, Alberta. He also leaves behind 28 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Also surviving him is a brother, Floyd Boettger (Patricia) of Ottawa, and Elizabeth Farrier (Don) of Kelowna.
Clancy enjoyed working as a railroad engineer until his retirement in 1986 with the last twelve years as a pusher engineer in Rogers Pass. He especially liked working and training young engineers. During his life in Revelstoke, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Revelstoke Elks of Canada, Revelstoke Rod & Gun Club, Great White Sturgeon Enhancement Committee, Canadian Pacific Pioneer Association and Canadian Wildlife Federation.
His love of fishing and hunting was legendary, but he also enjoyed football and hockey immensely. He coached the Silver Tips slow-pitch team and was an avid curler right to the age of 94. For 27 years he coached the CPR Runaways attending every hockey tournament in those years. Gardening was another hobby he excelled at growing enough vegetables to last through the winter. His tomatoes and cucumbers were blue ribbon quality. He generously shared his harvest with friends, neighbors and anyone who happened to pass through the alley by the garden.
One of the things he was best known for was selling raffle tickets and he was very good at it. When people saw him coming, they would reach for their wallet because they knew he had tickets to sell. He did this to support minor sports, the Elks summer camps for single parent families, and support the children's summer reading programs. He worked with the Elks Club to raise money for new playground equipment at Queen Elizabeth Park and other wonderful projects such as medical support for children of low income families. Under his
direction the Elks provided bar tending services for many events throughout the years. The proceeds of these commitments went to benefit many children in the community.
During his retirement years he and Ruth were able to do a lot of travelling. Their many trips took them from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from Alaska to Mexico, from Winnipeg to New Orleans and as far as Australia. He fished in the Sea of Cortez and danced with a native princess in Pango Pango.
Clarence came to Revelstoke in 1966. Shortly after moving, he and his first wife, Eleanor (Hosford) Boettger divorced, leaving him with six children to raise. In 1967 he married Francis (Woolard) Prosser and brought together a family of ten. Following the death of Francis, he married again in 1989 to Ruth (Jones) Boettger adding three more children making a total of 13 children. He loved having a big family.
We will miss his quirky sense of humor, his ready smile and all his wonderful stories that he always liked to embellish. You will be sorely missed my man.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any of the minor sports organizations in Revelstoke.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.bowersfuneralservice.com