Clarence Joseph (Babe) Durban was born on October 21, 1924 in Lillooet BC to Bert and Lummie; as the years went by, they became better known as Poppy and Granny.
In 1936 Poppy and Granny traded property sight unseen and moved the family including a “Bennett Buggy” full of pigs to a farm on Tatalaska Lake. Within a week of their arrival their house burned down and they lost everything. They rebuilt and farmed until 1964.
Clarence did not like farming. Logging and sawmilling; along with hunting and fishing was in his blood. After a five year courtship to win Gloria Hanke’s hand in marriage he started logging. Their first home was a one room cabin on the “North forty”; a part of the farm. From there they moved to “old camp” where he logged and sawmilled with his brother Bill and brother in law John Scheck. Old Camp was a great place with several families living there. Sandy and Gordon were born surrounded by cousins and friends.
In 1959 they moved to the Grassy Plains Store, and Debbie was born. They ran the store until 1968; then moved across the street. Barb was born in 1967. During this time Clarence and Bill also ran a tug and barge operation on Ootsa Lake.
In the 1970’s Clarence went into logging full time; and at one time owned five skidders. He employed four young people (including his two sons); and they learned how to work!
His final work before retirement was a logging/ sawmill operation at Barker’s Meadows.
In 1989 Clarence and Gloria moved to Burns Lake and Babe bought a boat. Fishing became his new career. We believe the biggest halibut he caught tipped the scales at over 100 lbs.
Clarence and Gloria had a few moves during their last years; with the Pines being their final home.
Clarence was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 66 years Gloria; son Sandy; and great granddaughter Jayda.
Survived by Gordon (Kim), Debbie (Brian), Barb (Blair); eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.