Clair Wilson, (George Sinclair)
Born Nanaimo March 1, 1918, died December 27, 2009. Predeceased by his parents, R.T. and Lillian, survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jean, and children Robert (Debbie Warne) and Elizabeth (Alan Bazeley).
Clair grew up in Nanaimo, and graduated from UBC in 1939 with a B.Comm. His lifelong passion for cars took him on a road trip in 1940, but wartime rationing ended that journey and set him on another that would last the rest of his life. He ran out of gas in Trail, BC, where he got a job and met and married his one and only love, Jean Greig, a Regina girl. Clair joined the RCAF as a radio operator and served with Air Sea Rescue on northern Vancouver Island.
After the war, the couple lived in Nanaimo, where Clair and his partner, Russ Malpass, followed their fathers’ footsteps in the grocery business, with Southend Super-Valu and Harewood Shopping Centre. In the early 70’s Clair went into real estate and took great pleasure in introducing people from everywhere to “the best place in the world to live.” He was an enthusiastic member and past-president of the Gyro Club, and formerly an active participant in 808 Wing. If you knew Clair, you might well recall his bad puns, red ‘62 Thunderbird, and his unfailingly happy nature.
The Wilsons send their deepest gratitude to the staff at Travellers Lodge, particularly those in the Nelson Wing, who gave Clair a loving home and superb care during his last six years. No service by request. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please contribute to the health and happiness of future dementia patients by donating to the Travellers Lodge Building Fund.