CLIFFORD JOHN SUTHERLAND

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CLIFFORD JOHN SUTHERLAND Peacefully, on Monday, December 24, 2007 with his family by his bedside, our father, Clifford passed away at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 79 years. Remaining to forever cherish Clifford's memory are his sons Larry (Candice) and Allan; daughter Carol (Dan) Hepner and grandsons Daniel (Kirby) and Ryan. Our father also leaves to mourn his beloved sister Alice Varis and extended family too numerous to mention. He will also be greatly missed by many friends that he made over the years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marjorie; sisters Francis and Dorothy and by his brother Leonard. Our father was born in Selkirk, MB on January 25, 1928. As a boy he loved to swim and fish in the Red River. His favourite companion was his dog, Skipper. Most of all, Dad enjoyed playing with his brother and sisters, whether it was teasing his sister Alice or getting up to no good with his brother Leonard. He also enjoyed fun times with his aunts, uncles, and many cousins who lived in the surrounding communities. As a teenager, Dad would often take the train on summer weekends from the city to Winnipeg Beach to attend Big Band Dances. It was on one of these weekends that our father met Marjorie Georgina Daniels. They danced, walked the Boardwalk hand in hand and fell in love. After several years of on and off courtship, they were married on December 28, 1957 at Sturgeon Creek United Church. They started their married life in Churchill, MB where Dad was employed as an auto body painter. Their Churchill years saw the birth of their two sons and in 1962 after returning to Winnipeg, a daughter was born, completing the family. Over the years Dad was employed with Canada Post and Zellers before joining the St. James School Division # 2, where he worked until retirement in 1993. He truly enjoyed the people he worked with and shared many happy stories. On April 7, 1998 our beloved mother passed away, and in 2001 Dad decided to sell his home and move into Hamilton House. He enjoyed the companionship of many new friends there. In the evenings if one were to pass by the lounge you would see him playing cards with the 31 Club for nickels and dimes. On Monday nights Dad could be found playing Bingo at the local Legion # 283. Usually our Dad was the first to arrive, which made him the designated seat saver for his many friends. Our father was a private person but he always had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh. He was a talented painter and carpenter who could build or repair almost anything. He enjoyed singing, listening to music and was also a very graceful dancer. He quietly lived his life extending kindness to others never expecting anything in return. In compliance with Dad's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Interment will follow at a later date. A special thank you to Arlene, Dianne, Linda and Wendy for making his Bingo evenings so entertaining. He truly enjoyed your company. Thank you to his nieces Lynne and Margie for your visits, as they always brightened his day. We would like to thank the many kind nurses and doctors who provided health care to our father during the past few years. Thank you to the Dialysis ward at HSC, MICU and GH4. Your kindness has touched our hearts. A special thank you to Dr. Leslie Henderson who always provided exceptional care to our father. We are certain she will miss his bashful demeanor. At the end, Dad reminded us to send a very special thank you to the 31 Club players whose camaraderie and good-natured kidding made his evenings the best part of his day. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made in Dad's memory to a charity of one's choice. We miss you Dad, Rest in Peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2007