Alaric, Clair Franklin
Clair Franklin Alaric passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side at Fraser Hope Lodge Saturday, April 20, 2013. Clair was born Feb. 6, 1923 at Woodland, Washington to Walter Elias and Isobel Alaric, the 11th of 17 children. Predeceased by his wife Jean (2004), daughter Nola, sons Kia-Ora and Earl (1972); brothers Albert, Howard, Walter, Glen, Harry, Paul, Les, Len and Wilfred, sisters Alma, Lillian, Mary and Dorothy.
Clair is survived by sisters Perle Nickells (Victoria), Evylin Weichel (Vancouver), brother Victor (Sally) of Cranbrook. He also leaves behind sons Keith (Sharron) Rogers of N. Vancouver, David (Rhoda) of Hope, and daughter Sandi (Allen) Quayle of Hope. He will be missed by his six grandchildren, Gerri, Gene, Meredith, Alandra, Steven and Tara, six great-grandchildren Trent, Claire, Sophia, Emma, Miles, and Layla, who always brought a huge smile to his face, and many, many nieces and nephews.
Clair’s parents moved their growing family back to B,C, in 1926 to resume logging in the Interior and Coastal areas. Clair started logging with his father and brothers at an early age and saw the progression of logging from horse logging to heli-logging. He met Jean when he came to Hope in 1951 to work with his brother Albert. They stayed in Hope for most of the next 62 years where Clair had various jobs in logging, mining and construction. When he retired in 1987 he was content to work in his vegetable garden and tell his many stories to anyone who was around. He had always wanted to take an Alaskan cruise which he finally did in June 2005. Clair had once worked in Zeballos, B.C. and after a trip there to celebrate the town’s 50th reunion he decided he would like to write his Memoirs, which he did very well. His family and friends are enjoying his story immensely. One of the highlights of his life was celebrating his 90th birthday, being the first of his siblings to do so. His hearty laugh and beaming smile endeared him to many, including the staff and residents of Riverside Manor and Fraser Hope Lodge where he spent his last 18 months.
Prayers will be held at the Martin Brothers Funeral Home, 1270 Ryder St. at 7:00 Fri. April 26. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 671 Water Ave., Hope, B.C. Fr. Peter Altamirano officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Diabetes Association of B.C.