Ida passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, July 13, with her daughters by her side. Born in Victoria on April 23, 1927, she was the youngest of four daughters of John and Elena Bianco and was always proud of her Italian heritage. After graduating from Vic High in 1943, she embarked on a lifetime career in broadcasting, first on CJVI radio and then for 30 years as the host of the Noon Show and later of the Ida Clarkson Show on CHEK TV. Generations of Victorians thought of her as a family friend. In 1949, she married her soul mate and favorite dancing partner, Vince Clarkson. They raised three daughters in a house filled with love. We know that they are dancing together again. Predeceased by her beloved Vince in 1980, Ida will always be lovingly remembered by her daughters and their husbands: Cathy and Glenn Lavoie, Paula and Bruce Smith, Chris and Kenn McLaren. She was a wonderful mother and our treasured friend. Missing their Cool Nana are Erin (Lance) Long, Dan (Leigh Ann) Smith, Mark Lavoie and Lonnie McLaren and her new great-granddaughter, Harper Smith. Predeceased by her sisters, Laura Elliott and Josephine Mann, she is survived by Bruna Lepoidevin, by many members of the Bianco and Clarkson families and by two women who were like sisters to her: Betty McQuaid and Betty Fleming. Sincere thanks to Dr. Karen Klingenberg, Dr. Sally Smith, the Home and Community Nurses and the angels of the Palliative Response Team and Hospice.
A Celebration of Ida’s life for family and friends will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 23 at Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
15 Responses
I have the fondest memories of dear Ida. I emigrated to Canada in December 1974 with my group ‘Trafalgar’ making our debut at the Red lion motor Inn, in January 1975 we were invited to appear on the Ida Clarkson Show on Check TV. Ida was the most welcoming gracious host, and the first of many appearances for us, my heart goes out to her family, God Bless you Ida, may you have everlasting love, peace and happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I just saw this and am sorry for your loss.This may be a bit weird but I’d like to be contacted by a member of the family to find out if what I heard as a child is true or not I heard I was related to Ida,My father being her cousin and have always wondered about this.
God Bless Ida Clarkson.
Dear Kathy,
A friend of mine just has sent me your dear mother’s obituary and I was so sad to hear of her passing. Of course I as well as everyone else knew that she was a GREAT Lady, her mind so sharp, always looking young and active and elegant, it is a great loss. I have thought of her often since I left Victoria in May and very sincerely hope that the doctors kept her pain to a minimum.
I send my most sincere condolences to you, your sisters and your family.
Marie-France S.
Thinking of you all in prayerful thoughts.
Ida was a very gracious and generous lady.
I remember first meeting Ida when I went on her Television Show advertising our upcoming St. Patrick’s Bazaar.
As a CWL member I am not alone in having sure appreciated her including the September bazaar as part of her show every year.
I really enjoyed the privilege of being able to meet her.
Julie J.-Flemming