Born April 15^th, 1929 to William “Pop” Clark and Mulvine “Molly” (Ponusky) Clark, Bill showed a tireless work ethic from an early age. Whether picking blueberries, mowing lawns, or playing sports at Amherst High School where he graduated in 1947, his dedication and energy was unmatched. Though he spent years logging wood, owning school buses and delivering newspapers for the Springfield Union, Bill found his true calling and established W.W. Clark Excavating with a hand shovel, a dump truck and the determination of a man destined for success.  Over the next 65 years, with the help of sons William and Dennis, W.W. Clark Excavating flourished into a trusted and successful company providing services throughout Western Massachusetts.

Bill was quite active in town affairs as well. He served on the Recreation Board, Equipment Purchasing Committees and with the Fire and Police Departments. Bill was Gypsy Moth Superintendent and also Assistant Superintendent of Streets from 1957 to 1970. A particular point of pride was the construction of the Shutesbury Athletic Club in 1964. The club was built on land donated by Mike Plaza with all work accomplished by volunteers from the first Shutesbury Softball team and became a focal point of the community.

Despite the long hours building his business, Bill had many hobbies over the years including auto mechanics, stock car racing, playing softball for the Shutesbury Athletic Club, snowmobiling, camping, fishing and spending time at his cabin in Vermont. In 1990, Bill organized and sponsored a softball team that won several local tournaments and state championships. The highlight for the team was a trip to Alabama where they placed 7^th in the country. Though much of his long life was dedicated to business, William W. Clark always made time for family gatherings and took great pleasure in the many birthday celebrations and holiday meals hosted with his wife.

In addition to his wife Virginia, Bill is survived by son William W. Clark Jr. and wife Mary of Shutesbury, daughter Christine (Clark) Laflamme and husband John of Northampton, and son Dennis W. Clark and partner Marianna Branche of Shutesbury. His is also survived by sister Phyllis (Clark) Cote of Shutesbury, sister-in-law Blanche Clark of Shutesbury and is pre-deceased by sister Geraldine (Clark) Goodhind, and brother Melvin Clark.

His grandchildren include Rebecca (Clark) Casagrande and husband Jason of Pelham, Cynthia (Clark) Pickering and husband Jeffrey of Amherst, Brett Laflamme and wife Kathy of Belchertown, Amy (Laflamme) Swartz and husband Timothy of Maryland, and Carleigh, Shelby and Landon Clark of South Deerfield. Bill also leaves behind 11 great grandchildren.

Walk-through calling hours will be held on Friday, February 11^th at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst from 4pm-7pm. The family is conducting a private burial but plans to hold a Celebration of Life later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William W. Clark’s name can be made to the charity of your choice. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com