Clarence S. Palin

Clarence Sylvanis Palin, 87, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 30th at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital.

He was the 5th of 8 children, born July 24, 1933 in Sutherland, Nebraska to Wilbur Henry and Valma A. (Mason) Palin.

Clarence moved from Nebraska to the Bitterroot Valley with his family when he was 2 years old.  The family was actually headed to Sandpoint, ID, however, when a vehicle broke down coming over Lost Trail Pass, the family ended up staying in the Bitterroot rather than continuing to their original destination.

Clarence went to school in Hamilton, worked in the woods and as an auto mechanic beginning at age 15.  He then enlisted in the service in 1952 completing the Parachute Packing, Maintenance and Aerial Delivery Course at QMC School in FT. Lee, VA.  After an honorable discharge, he returned to Hamilton where he met and married Marlyne Yvonne Bacon the day after Christmas 1954.  They adopted three children, Val, Brad and Doug.  Clarence continued to work in the woods as an equipment operator for over thirty years until he retired.  He enjoyed camping, collecting firewood with his family, auto mechanics and keeping his yard in tip-top shape.  Clarence was a Hamilton Volunteer Fireman for several years until they moved “out to the country”.  He also had many stories to share about his go-kart racing and snowmobiling adventures.  He was proud of his family and always reminded everyone he had been married for 62 years!  He loved and missed Marlyne deeply and couldn’t wait to be reunited with her.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, son Brad, wife Marlyne, three brothers and two sisters.  He is survived by his daughter Val; son Doug (Chris); brother Ernie; sister Anna; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.