William Michael "Billy" Clark

1956 - 2021

William Michael "Billy" Clark, 65

February 17, 1956 – July 25, 2021

Bill Clark passed away Sunday July 25th, 2021, at Community Hospital of Anaconda. He was born February 17, 1956, in Anaconda, the son of Albert and Alice (Kelly) Clark. He was known as Turbo, Clarkie, and to his special girls, Hunk A Honey.

Bill attended St. Paul school, graduating from Anaconda High in 1974. He loved football, softball, basketball, rugby, horseshoes, racquetball, hiking, backpacking (including winter trips), skiing (Alpine and Nordic), golf and cold beer. Bill began his paid working life at the age of 12, as a ranch hand for Ralph Buchanan near Philipsburg. He loved to say he was the first person in his family to attend college. He completed his first trade training at Montana Auto College in Great Falls by hitch-hiking his commute from Anaconda and went to work as a mechanic at Dee Motors. Bill said being away from Anaconda made him know this is where he truly wanted to spend his life. He loved the mountains and lakes, and especially the people of his hometown.

Bill came from a large family. He loved every one of them, and spoke of his joyous experiences with them, caring for nieces and nephews, teaching them about the outdoors or sports, and traditions of camping, hunting and fishing, from Sagebrush Flat to the Big Hole Valley. Bill loved all the gatherings of his family; traditions held a high place in the priorities of his life. He loved to make a party out of gatherings, and pull in friends to his family Clan, including everyone, young and old, friends and relations. Billy was a fixture at Art in the Park, and his absence will be missed.

Bill married Mitchie Johns in 1989 (later divorced). Their children are Briana and Albert. They brought him great joy. Briana also gave him his next great pride, granddaughters Mia-Jo and Lucy. He wanted to provide a beautiful loving life for them, and he did a great job giving them unconditional love and support.

Bill went on to an apprenticeship in the plumbing trade. He worked construction on the road, but wanted to be home, and was fortunate to be near Anaconda most of his working life. Bill was a licensed union plumber and pipefitter. His brothers in the trades were very important to him.

Bill met the love of his life, his companion, best friend and confidante, Frances Galvin in 1999. They were inseparable from the time they met, then married. She brought her two sons into the fold, Sam and Nick Sorensen. When Sam married Liz Castro, he gained another daughter. Bill loved his Montana and tropical paradise vacations. Hawaii brought another great opportunity to enjoy and create new traditions.

When Bill committed himself to something, he went all in. He believed in family, he was a true and best friend, he worked to improve himself, at cards, at golf, at hunting, at knowing the mountains, at learning about politics, reading classics and history. He was never passive in his pursuits. He was a staunch democrat, but always made sure anyone elected to represent others knew what he expected of them and held them accountable for their actions. He loved to volunteer for conservation organizations, to provide expertise when family, friends or strangers needed a hand, a kind word or a prayer.

Bill had friends in every generation and walk of life. He was big and bold, gentle and generous. We will miss him so.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Alice Clark, brothers James Joseph and Gene, sister Alice Finnegan, niece and nephew Sarah Sweeney and Craig Finnegan, mother and father-in-law Pat and Marie Galvin. He is survived by his wife Fran, children Briana Clark, Albert Clark, Sam (Liz Castro) Sorensen, Nick Sorensen, grandchildren Mia Sutcliffe, Lucy Clark, siblings and spouses Albert Clark, Terry Clark, Larry (Barbara) Clark, Bob (Nancy) Clark, Jerry Clark, Larry Finnegan, Mary Lou (Jim) Furaus, Ruthann Puccinelli, Janice (Tom) Sweeney, Barbara (Dan) Whittaker, Susan Clark, Laureen (Rob) Hensley, and Pat (Sandy) Domitrovich, Fran's siblings, Colleen Holzheimer, Kathleen Galvin-Halcro, Kevin Galvin, David Workman, and a wonderfully large extended family and so many friends.

Visitation will begin Thursday August 5, 2021, at 5:30 pm at Holy Family Church. The Rosary will be said at 6:30 pm, the Vigil Service at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Church on Friday August 6, 2021, at 10:30 am. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Festivities will continue after the funeral mass with food at Holy Family carrying over to the Revolver until 3 pm for storytelling and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to Discovery House of Anaconda, 65 Sheep Gulch Road, Anaconda MT 59711, or a charity of the donor's choice, especially benefitting children or the environment.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Bill's funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.