March 1, 1940 - May 11, 2020 - ♾
Due to COVID, the idea for a celebration of life has been released in favour of remembering the moving 80th birthday celebration on Feb 22, 2020 in Orillia along with a “Letter to Clare” written in his loving honour.
Dear Clare, time sure passes quickly. We remember with smiles your jovial nature, very missed this past year. Which reminds us of a joke you once told us, and very befitting your life as a Master Plumber. “How is life like a toilet paper roll? The closer you get to the end, the fast it rolls.” How fitting too this sentiment for the year of your passing, 2020.
The year of your passing was as unique as the way your were named. The second born son of a proud Polish Catholic family, your names were chosen from a hat by the cookstove in the homestead — Clarence and Elmer — so very Polish.
Everyday since your departure we think of you. Sometimes our faces are blessed with tears, but mostly with smiles as we recall our shared time together. We thank you for those shared memories. We love you for watching over us each moment since your transition as we may have struggled to feel your presence. But there have been times and moments and dreams; and animals or birds; or number 8 screws; or lights turning on and off, or kettles with water mysteriously starting to boil as we spoke of you. And when we are in really good feeling places we know unmistakable you are here with us. Especially now invoking your memory, we know you have come to be with everyone reading this.
Clare, you always had a smile in your eyes and a chuckle in your heart. You loved to laugh and you loved to relax. You taught us that even when we party fully, to show up for responsibilities; that traditions matter, that family matters. Often these ideas were passed to us without word, and through your actions which spoke clearly to us.
You have gone before us to join so many of our ancestors long past and family and friends more recently transferred to the other side. You now have the answers to the questions that interested you most. You have an understanding of all the mysteries and beliefs that make up our world. Most importantly, you know clearly your place in the entire scheme of life, a question you explored with passion in your time with us. And now you have even visited the star we named in your honour.
For those astronomically minded as Clare, let it be known that the Binary Stars known as 11392588 - Orion, Right Ascension 6h 5m 22.92s, Declination -2 degrees 55’ 3.43”, Magnitude 11.4710000 are now named Clarence Bechta & C.E.B.M. Bechta - 11th May 2020.
Clare, we love the example that you were for us. You touched people in every city you called home, no matter how briefly you were there, and had delightful extended stays in West Fort William (Thunder Bay), as well as Barrie, and finally settling in Orillia, Ontario.
Until we meet again in love we will see you in the clear night sky,
Wife, Ellen; Son, Barry; Daughter, Melinda (and husband, Paul); Granddaughter, Sydney; Grandson, Gryphon (and wife, Haley); plus the newest addition to our family great grandson, Atlas; Brother, Joe (and wife, Dot); Twin Sisters, June and Judy; and many more extended loving family members and dear friends.