With great sadness we announce the passing of Clara Agatha Hale at 97 years of age. Clara passed away peacefully at Talarico Place, Castlegar, 23 November, 2013. Clara was born in Deerfield, Manitoba, 19 March, 1916 to parents Alvine and Frederick Koch. When Clara was six, the family moved to Renata, on the Arrow Lakes. She enjoyed growing up in the small community, which she loved, where her parents worked a small orchard and farmed.
In 1938 she met Lieutenant William Hale, a WW1 soldier and pilot who was based on the Arrow Lakes, employed by the BC Forest Service. Clara and Bill married in 1939, settling in Renata. They built their own house with help from family and friends, and raised their two children, Sheila and Bill. They worked their orchard and raised chickens. For Clara, the life was hard work, but very satisfying. Following the death of her husband, Clara moved to Castlegar and found work at the Post Office.
Clara was a bright, optimistic person who enjoyed visiting with her family and childhood friends for afternoon tea, and sometimes a game of cards. She was a avid reader.
In later life she enjoyed the adventure of travel, visiting South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK, Egypt and Israel, Hawaii, the USA and the Panama Canal.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband Bill, daughter Sheila and five siblings.
She is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Erhart and Julie Koch, granddaughter Sheryl McEachern, (Sheila’s daughter) her son Bill, daughter-in-law Nesta, granddaughter, Renata Hale and several nephews and nieces.
There will be no services at Clara’s request.
The family greatly appreciates the kind care Clara received at Talarico Place and thanks all the great staff there. Thanks also to the empathy and support from Dr. Merritt over the years.