Arnold, CA…William Robert McClure, AKA Bill: The Man, The Myth, The Legend, of Arnold, CA, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at the age of 76. Bill was born to parents Charlie Edward McClure and Dora Bell Stokes on January 24, 1942 in El Monte, CA. He grew up in Stockton CA, moved to Oregon and was known as “Squirrel” for his speed on the football field at Eagle Point High School, where he graduated in the class of 1959. Bill was in the Army and Air Force Reserves, then graduated from Oregon Technical Institute.  He was proud of his career as a land surveyor in Northern California.

He later moved to Arnold, CA, where he was a devoted 38-year member of the Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge and chairman of the Bingo program, which raises money for worthy charities. Bill was known in the community as “Bingo Bill,” and, “like a character from a Mark Twain story.”  He will be greatly missed by friends throughout the town of Arnold for his larger than life personality and the ability to make anyone laugh.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judith;his daughter Catherine Gibson and daughter-in-law Clarisse Gibson.

Bill is survived by the love of his life: his wife of 32 years,Evelyn; his brother Ralph (Shirley) McClure; his children Robert (Shelly) McClure, Andrea (Dustin) Finck, Jean (Brad) Oskey, EJ Gibson, and Sarah (Tim) Oskey; and Grandchildren Pamela Gibson, Tiffany McClure, Donovan Finck, Chris Boyett, Rebecca Boyett, Casey (Josh) Hopwood, Kelsey Oskey, Nic Jonson, Alyssa Oskey, Alayna Oskey;Great-Grand children: Alex, Trinity & Selene; and his beloved dog Snoopy.

Bill will be remembered for his affinity for large belt buckles, his collection of baseball caps, and his red coffee cup – which contained his signature mixture of coffee, cereal and juice. He was a devoted 49er fan and loved any chance to bragabout his kids and grandkids.

A memorial service will be held March 16 at 2 pm at the Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge in Bill’s honor.