William "Bill" Ross Clarke

William (Bill) Ross Clarke (Port Orchard), 70, died unexpectedly of natural causes and went Home on June 18, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Clarke of Bremerton; daughters, Karen (Michael-Paul) Koontz of Port Orchard and Ellen (Brock) Moller of Bremerton, and grandsons, Brennan and Tyler Koontz and Braxton and Briggs Moller. Also survived by his sister Mary (Michael) Kiner and a large extended family.

Born in Seattle WA, Bill mostly grew up in Walnut Creek CA. He spent time with family throughout Washington including Millers Bay and Peshastin. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in California. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Redlands and a Master’s of Divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the West (Berkeley).

Bill was a retired American Baptist pastor. He spent over 21 years pastoring at churches in Kittitas, Raymond, Aberdeen, and Hoquiam WA. He also served in Arco, ID and was Interim Pastor at Mountlake Terrace Baptist Church for a short time. He was currently worshiping at South Colby United Methodist Church, Port Orchard WA. His preaching, teaching, community participation and friendly and very outgoing personality touched many lives. Bill could – and would – share a story and talk with anyone he met on just about any subject that was of interest to the individual. He continued to study and learn as much as he could. He loved trains (real, model and toy), ferries, camping, road trips, shopping and much more. During road trips taken when his daughters were young, he was always the last one out of a museum – wanting to read every sign. He was a definite child at heart! He occupied much of his retirement pursuing his genealogy and revisiting favorite spots from his childhood like Millers Bay. His presence will be missed by many but we rejoice knowing he is with his Savior.

Isaiah 40:31a, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Harper Church, 10384 SE Sedgwick Rd, Port Orchard, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Camp Bethel Building Fund, 347 Kirkpatrick Road Hoquiam, WA 98550 are suggested.