CLIFF KLAN

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CLIFF KLAN When a parent dies, a planet disappears, and the night sky will never look the same again. It doesn't matter how grown up we are when we lose one. Ann-Marie MacDonald (2003), The Way the Crow Flies, p. 674. Our dad, Clifford Edmund Joseph Klan, died September 14, 2006, at the Beausejour Hospital. Thankfully, he didn't suffer long and he died on his own terms. He was predeceased by his parents, John, Elizabeth and stepmother Martha, his sisters, Helen and Ida, his brothers, Lorne, Ernie, Bill (Effie), Al and George and his dear friends, Barrie and Howard. He is survived by his brothers, Henry (Sylvia), Art (Lori) and their families, his son Paul (Johna) of Winnipeg, daughters, Jacquie of Toronto and her daughter Max, Louise of Oakbank and Terry of Winnipeg (Brendan, their daughter Shannon (Greg) and their daughters, Devyn and Layken), as well as the mother of his children, Jacky Laurendeau. Also surviving are his dear cousin Leo, devoted niece Paula, sisters-in-law, Vera, Trudie and Vera, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. Some old friends who deserve mention are - Emil, Lin, Micki, Reg and Tom. Born January 24, 1929, in Emerson MB, Dad was a country boy at heart. He left for the big city to attend University of Manitoba's School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1952. In September, 1955, he and Mom married and soon left Brandon to move into their new house in Winnipeg where Dad lived 46 years, until his death. He worked as a pharmacist for over four decades, helping many people with both their medical concerns and personal issues. The crowning achievement of his career was the opening of his own drugstore Southdale Drug Mart , alongside his friend and business partner Reg Ebbeling, in September of 1966. A few weeks later, his youngest child, Paul, was born so it was a banner year! It looks like the month of September was full of life altering beginnings and endings for him. Dad loved raising his children, visiting the country, communing with nature and being around animals. He was the kind of dad who didn't hesitate to change a diaper, play wholeheartedly with his children and took us on many adventures. A house full of pets, visits to the race track, mucking out stalls, weeks at Victoria Beach, golfing, spending time at the drugstore and playing cards were some of the highlights of our childhood. Our dad was a character; telling stories, laughing loudly, being the life of the party, loving to dance while listening to live music. He had a big heart, a big personality and big opinions about almost everything. He was fiercely proud and determined, with a fiery temper. As our Uncle Artie says - he was a true Klan boy - not always right but never wrong! Cremation has taken place. We will host a drop-in at the family home on Saturday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please join us for some refreshments and story telling. On Sunday, November 5, there will be a service at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church (2nd and Church Street) in Emerson, MB, followed by refreshments at the New Horizons Centre. Dad will be buried in the family plot, already home to his sisters and brother George. If people wish to make a donation, they may do so to a charity of their choice or to The Manitoba Horse Sanctuary, Box 503, St. Pierre, MB R0A 1V0, 204-433-3656. We want to acknowledge, with gratitude, our sister Louise's dedication and commitment to our dad during both happy and difficult times. We hope you're resting in peace, Dad. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM FAMILY OWNED OPERATED 220 Hespeler @ Henderson Hwy. 668-3151

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2006