Family and friends gathered this week to mourn the death of a Butler man who they say was one-of-a-kind in business — and kindness.

Clarence R. Bacher, who founded Butler Ambulance Service in 1967, died Oct. 24. The ambulance service was only the tip of Bacher's iceberg of local businesses.

“He was never satisfied with sitting down,” Rob Bacher, his son, said. “He always had to be doing something.”

Clarence Bacher served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps as an air traffic controller during World War II. He then attended Robert Morris School of Business, where he earned a degree in accounting.

Rob Bacher said his father loved the field of accounting, which led him to open his own firm, Bacher and Associates Accounting, which has stayed in the family.

Clarence Bacher's son Denny Bacher said his father was the accountant for the previous owner of the ambulance service. When he heard it was for sale, he bought it.

“He figured it to be a good business investment,” Denny Bacher said. “I don't think he envisioned it to be the way it is today.”

Clarence Bacher grew the company from two ambulances to 11 today. In 1985 he acquired Sedan Service, a company that provides hearse service to local funeral homes, and founded Butler Assist Coach, a transport service for wheelchair patients which now has 14 wheelchair-accessible vans.

“I don't think he ever thought we'd be as big as we are,” Denny Bacher said.

Rob Bacher said his father was a driven and motivated person who inspired his children to chase success and walk in his footsteps.

“When I grew up, I was interested in aviation,” Rob Bacher said. “Dad used to take me down to Pittsburgh airport to watch the planes.”

Bacher said he followed his father's example and joined the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller for four years. He returned to work for the family business, but then the Federal Aviation Administration came calling. Bacher said he remembers telling his father about the offers.

“I remember I was riding in the station wagon, and I told him that the FAA called for a third time, and they said it would be the last time,” he said.

Rob said his father urged him to pursue his passion.

“He said, 'I know you love that job, so go.'”

Rob Bacher retired 30 years later as a controller for the FAA.

“I was inspired by my dad,” he said.

Meanwhile, Denny Bacher found a place with his father at the ambulance service.

Bacher said when his father took over the service the county still relied on fire departments and even funeral homes for medical emergencies. He said his father saw the potential impact of a dedicated ambulance service, and not just financially.

“It was going to be the only one run like that in the county,” he said.

Bacher said his father thrived on helping others, even on a personal level.

“Dad didn't like any fanfare or accolades of any kind,” he said. “He would help out anybody that he possibly could.”

Rob Bacher said the brothers knew of their father's compassion, but many of the stories they heard at his viewing were even firsts for them. He said his father's death will create a void for the community.

“I don't know a lot of people like my dad,” Rob Bacher said. “I don't know if he can be replaced.”

Denny Bacher said his father's spirit would be tough for anyone to match.

“He was truly a gentleman,” Bacher said. “I feel bad for people who weren't able to meet him.”