WILLIAM VERNON BRIERCLIFFE -

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WILLIAM VERNON BRIERCLIFFE 1929 - 2007 On Monday, October 29, 2007, William Vernon Briercliffe (Bill), aged 78 years, beloved husband of Joyce, passed away in the comfort of his own home with his family present. A funeral service honouring his life will be held on Monday, November 5, 2007 at the Blessed Sacrament Parish, 710 Roanoke Street, Transcona. Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one-hour prior. Reverends Jeff Cook and Carol Fletcher officiating with Father Owen Steeves assisting. Burial at Transcona Cemetery. He leaves to mourn his wife Joyce of 55 years, daughters Darien Briercliffe of Transcona, Susan (Clare) Hochhalter of Bismarck, ND, sons Randy (Susan) Briercliffe of Dugald and Bradley (Judy) Briercliffe of Hastings, MN; grandchildren Noel Clubb, Melanie (Matt) Moore, Quinn, Cole, Laine and Sam Hochhalter, Creagh Briercliffe (Dugald) and Will Briercliffe (Hastings, MN); great-grandchildren Macy and Finn Moore; brother Robert (Phyllis) Briercliffe of Pinawa and extended family. Dad was born in his grandparent's home on Greenwood Place, Winnipeg. His early years were spent on the family farm with his parents Vernie and Emma (Jackson) and brother, Robert. He developed early, and throughout life continued, a passion for invention and do-it-yourself construction, a sense of adventure, of family and community, and a sense of humour. Dad attended Beatrice, a one room school in Springfield, high school at Gordon Bell and completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1951 at the University of Manitoba. He had been a Sea Cadet, trained with the University Naval Training Division and the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. He received the Dominion Marksmen Expert Award in 1951. Dad and Mom were married in 1952. They became the third generation on the family farm in Springfield. From 1961 to 1962, Dad attended Worshams College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois graduating with the MuSigma Alpha Award for Excellence. In 1963, Dad and Mom purchased the original Transcona Funeral Chapel (Cook Funeral Home) and moved their young family into the second floor suite. Dad became his own contractor in 1964 and built the new Transcona Funeral Chapel on Day Street. Dad designed and constructed the new Chapel so it would resemble a church, giving comfort to all, regardless of their affiliation. Dad remodelled the entire former Chapel into our family home, which included a large, unique swimming pool on the garage roof. Over the years, Dad built many major additions to the present day Chapel, as well as a Crematorium. Dad held a dual license of Embalmer and Funeral Director. He was a member and a past president of the Manitoba Funeral Service Association (MFSA). He was a member of the Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) and the Canadian Independent Association. He was the longest serving funeral director in Manitoba from 1962 until illness forced his departure from active involvement. He was proud to have the second generation continue the business. In the summer of 1972, Dad built a cottage at Gull Lake that is still enjoyed today. By 1978, Dad and Mom moved to a new home in the country. Here, Dad was able to complete more remodelling and building projects and once again, install a swimming pool. Dad's illness necessitated a move back to Transcona in 2006 but this did not stop him from enjoying home projects. Dad was a strong supporter of Transcona. From 1962 onward, he participated in Hi Neighbour Day parades enlisting the aid of his children and in later years, his grandchildren. Dad was a Transcona Kiwanis Club member and served as president for two terms in 1968 and 1969. Most recently, Dad was a Transcona Rotary Club member and participated as often as his illness would allow. Dad was an avid member of the Prairie Command and Military Vehicle Association and served as secretary-treasurer. His last Transcona project was the planned restoration and preservation of the Canadian National Steam Locomotive 2747 in Kiwanis Park. He hoped the train would continue as a part of Transcona's history. Dad had unique hobbies over the years. He restored a variety of vehicles that included: a 1966 Cadillac Convertible and WWII 1943 60-Hundred Weight. His favourite restoration was a WWII Harley-Davidson WLC-45. Dad enjoyed driving his Harley in parades and displaying it at shows as a member of the Prairie Command. Dad took up flying, first with a hang glider behind the boat and later with an Ultra Light plane flying along the Red River Floodway. Only the bravest flew with Dad in his two-seater Ultra Light. Dad was a true Country Western music fan. During his illness, Dad would listen to country-western music all day as he found it therapeutic . In his younger years, Dad played his favourite music on his violin or saxophone. He also played the bugle in the RCNR. Dad loved to dance and had the last dance' in July 2002 on his and mom's 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Because he enjoyed family history, Dad coordinated one more special event with a Briercliffe reunion in 2004 at the original family farm in Springfield. Dad never complained of pain although he might mention discomfort. Dad lived beyond medical expectations as he had more things to accomplish. When he was ready and it was the right thing to do, he left us for that good night'. We know Dad is in a place with peace and light. There is no more discomfort. We miss you Dad. We loved you so. Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2007