Clarence Joseph Bettencourt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Clarence Joseph Bettencourt, age 66, on December 16th. CJ, to those who knew him, was born in Turlock California on May 26, 1958, to the late Clarence Sr and Rose Bettencourt. He passed away in his adopted home of Coeur d’ Alene Idaho.

CJ’s memory is left to be cherished by his loving wife Shawn Bettencourt, his son Craig Bettencourt, daughter Brooke Criswell, siblings, Cheryl Sager, Karen Orosco, Carol Damas, Christine Damas, Steve Bettencourt, and his 10 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was sibling to four sisters, Cheryl Sager, Karen Orosco, Carol Damas, Christine Damas, and brother Steve Bettencourt. He grew up working on the Bettencourt Family Farm and spending summers at the community pool with friends. CJ graduated from Turlock High School in 1976.

CJ loved operating equipment, took immense pride in his craft, and was right at home on the seat of any tractor or backhoe. He would not hesitate to point out all the things other operators were doing wrong on any given construction site. His attention to detail and vivid use of imagery were displayed in his letters and writings. His hands may have been calloused from a hard day's work, but the stroke of his pen and thoughtfulness were so gentle and kind. He was a hard worker and always put other’s needs above his own. He demonstrated this by receiving a medal of honor, putting himself in harm's way to save others. Most importantly, he loved Jesus, reading his Bible and enjoyed singing in church, so long as the song selection was not too fast paced for the congregation. His quick wit, determination and penchant for story telling will be missed by all. His hobbies included dealing in antiques, gold panning, planting his gardens, fishing, swimming, jumping into bodies of water at great heights, displaying world class dance moves- all when he was younger of course, and watching old westerns. That is the CJ we love and will always remember.

He battled various cancers for the past several years, and was immensely proud to have fought so hard to become a cancer survivor. He drew strength from the support of his family, friends and especially his wife Shawn- who was his biggest champion and help mate. CJ loved his Alaskan Pomeranian Shiloh, who he loved dearly and was always by his side. 

A graveside service will be held on December 27th, 1:00 pm at the Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls Idaho, located at 2834 N. Spokane Street Post Falls, Idaho 83854. Flowers can be sent to Evergreen Cemetery.