EatonvilleNews

        Unlike so many of you I didn't know Billy Joe Clark. I met him, once very briefly, during the big benefit for him and his family held at the Eatonville Eagles Hall. Naturally I had heard about Billy Joe, his zest for life, as well as his to-the-core kindness and decency. I met him once, but watched him for a couple of hours at the benefit. This was a young man facing his mortality with friends and family.
        Since I didn't know Billy Joe I wondered how he ( or anyone who was terminally ill in the prime of life), would handle such a bittersweet time. I was impressed by his grace, dignity and good humor. We all knew we were holding a wake for Billy Joe as well as raising funds. Billy Joe knew this, and accepted it with a peace few of us will ever know.
         I didn't know Billy Joe, but when I met him the man made sure I would never forget him. He kissed my hand. No woman forgets a man who kisses their hand, ever. I said, "No wonder everybody loves you," and he laughed and sparkled. I didn't know Billy Joe. And I'm very sorry I didn't.
        Below is Billy Joe's biography from his memorial service program. The service was held December 4 in the Puyallup Foursquare Church. The family had a private graveside service at Mountain View Memorial Park.
        You may sign Billy Joe's Guest Book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com - there are many touching entries describing just how very cool Billy Joe was. It's sad to lose him, but good to know he was here for awhile and touched people.
        For more about Billy Joe please see Billy Joe

    Billy Joe Clark, 42, Eatonville's beloved "Trashman," lost his brave battle with cancer last evening at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Kim, and teenaged daughter Alisha. Please take time out from your busy day during this holiday season to say a prayer for Billy Joe, and his family, to give them comfort, peace and strength during this time of grief and healing.
    A member of the "Billy Joe Appreciation Committee" wrote the following when he was diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer last spring: "He has given to our town in many ways. Billy Joe always offers a smile and wave as you drive by, or a conversation if you have the time. He knows all the children by name, and treats each one of them as if they were his best friends. He is known to help finish up yard work so the waste can go in the truck. And he frequently returns our garbage cans to the house from the street once they are emptied."
    Pictured above is Billy Joe, left, with Butch White. They were chatting during a huge, successful benefit and auction given for Billie Joe April 23, 2004. Along with being a fundraiser the event paid tribute to Billy Joe's courage and kindness.
   ENN and its readers extend to the Clark family their love and sympathy in this sad hour, he will be greatly missed.

Friends of Eatonville's garbage man Billy Joe Clark and his family poured their love into the "Billy Joe Fund" at a benefit auction and dinner Friday night at the Eatonville Eagles Hall. So far, $23,600 has been raised for the Clark family. Still to come is a Monday fundraiser at Puerto Vallarta Restaurant in town, where all proceeds (except for alcoholic beverage sales) will be added to the fund.
Here, Butch White, shares a moment with Billy Joe. Butch sent the bidding through the roof with a $2,100 winning bid for a six-night stay at a Maui condo, then brought cheers when he promptly gave the vacation package to Billy Joe. Eatonville resident Tim Patterson brought the crowd to its feet when he pledged to pay for the air fare for the trip. Such acts of kindness permeated the special evening, emceed by John Bratholm of John and Tammi's Pizza Place.

Correction: In a phone interview, Lori Smith, Venture Bank manager, said there is $19,000 in the Billy Joe Clark account, including donations. However, "The money is still rolling in," Lori explained. It will take more time to get an accurate amount as people continue to pay for auction items and donate to the fund.

There was a palpable feeling of collective empathy in the Eatonville Eagles Hall during the April 23 benefit auction for Billy Joe Clark. The opportunity to participate in an expression of support for one, much-loved man, seemed to touch a chord in people. Though a sense of sadness encompassed the room, it was the qualities of courage and kindness that were being honored – and celebrated. It was an evening few will soon forget.

The huge crowd at the dinner/auction for cancer patient Billy Joe Clark and his family was entertained, nearly non-stop, by emcee John Bratholm. John took time throughout the evening, in between barbs at local elected officials, to remind the crowd of the many acts of kindness shown by trash man Billy Joe on his Eatonville route, and to recognize the many individuals and businesses who pitched in to help with the benefit auction.

Billy Joe was even treated to a birthday cake during a break in the bidding. He turned 42 April 19.

…along with a huge birthday card from the students of Mrs. Bass’ fifth grade class at Eatonville Elementary.

The fundraiser for Clark's family could not have been possible without the tremendous generosity of many, many donors and volunteers. John and Tammi's Pizza Place donated one free pizza a week for a year. As the bidding progressed, the wheeling and dealing between Bratholm and the bidders for this endlessly revised auction item, which was eventually won by Mayor Bruce Rath and his wife Patty for $1300, exemplified the spirit of the evening. The Raths also offered the winning bid ($550) for a catered dinner for 100, donated by Aaron's Ark Restaurant.
At the conclusion of a long, poignant and fruitful evening, Billy Joe Clark walked onto the stage to give a hug of thanks to auctioneer John Bratholm.

Billy Joe offers his appreciation for the love and generosity bestowed upon him and his family.