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CLIFFORD ERNEST SWARTZ
Date of Passing: Oct 09, 2008
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCLIFFORD ERNEST SWARTZ Clifford Swartz passed away October 9, 2008, at the age of 77 surrounded by his family in Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Esther Swartz, and will be greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Fay, his son Kerry (Analee), his most cherished granddaughters Molly Jane (10) and Lucy Rose (8), along with his sister Jimmy (Morse) Silden. Cliff was born and raised in Winnipeg. His business career began in 1950 when he joined the family firm, Northern Sales Co. Ltd., leading it to become the largest privately owned, wholly Canadian grain company. With his father Charles (CO to most), they opened and created many new domestic and overseas markets for Canadian seed products while stimulating diversity and opportunity for farmers and producers of specialty crops. Over the years Cliff held numerous positions on boards and trade organizations in the industry, including Chair of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange and President of the Canadian Seed Trade Association. One of Cliff's passions was model aviation. He was one of the founding members of the Winnipeg Radio Control Club, serving as president for several terms. He represented the province on the national level of the Model Aircraft Association of Canada as Zone Director and was recently inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame to recognize his lifelong contribution to the model aircraft community in Canada. Cliff also loved the lake and fishing. Some 50 years ago, on land cleared by hand, he built a modest and comfortable cabin at Falcon Lake that still stands. He worked around the cottage and property almost every weekend. He grew gardens from seeds he had propagated himself. The cottage was a constant work in progress. Cliff was an avid reader motivated by an insatiable curiosity. He believed it wasn't a good day if he hadn't learned something new. Cliff was constantly challenging himself and others and thoroughly immersed himself in whatever he did. He loved music, fine wines and great food. His sense of humour and practical jokes were legendary. He was an accomplished machinist, woodworker and cabinetmaker. His design and fabricating skills were flawless and a thing to behold. Cliff designed and built electronic devices, radios, gadgets and doodads. In short, he was an expert in whatever endeavor he pursued. His family wishes to thank Dr. Bob Kroeker for his care and friendship, the staff of Grace Hospital ICU for their support, and Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves for their kindness. If so desired, donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Hebrew University (Charles Esther Swartz and Family fund) or your charity of choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2008
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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It is sad no one has left a word for him. I never knew the man and only seen him once when he came to the Fort Garry plant; and I worked there a full 21 years. After reading his obituary, I was amazed how common are interests were in every respect. I would have loved to see him get a government licensed Ham operator so he could put up a huge antenna tower and antennas and a nice transceiver so he could chat to similar minded electronics people from all the four corners of the world, with everyone from professional people to the common who also make the world run. Cliff never knew me even after the shuffling of "Jack" and "Harry" to the office area. I think it was 12 years where "Stan" ran the plant, but there was too many call backs on bad loads, so a decision was made to have an assistant for him and I was elected as I was a good grader, an expert on the machines, made alterations to better the plant and ran the warehouse in inventory in neatness and cleanliness. Bruce Johnson made a letter for me making me the managers assistant. H ha Well, I worked hard. I could say so much what I did and I never had a bad load sent out. And closer to the end I designed with Jacks approval to add another line in the plant, and I got it in to make the plant do 3 million pounds a year of cleaned seed and altered the spirals to save more seed instead of the graded dockage. Jack had the most confidence in me and trusted me wholly. Well, I'm off topic, but I would have wised Cliff to meet his workers sometimes. I was the master of the electronic Sortex photo electric cleaners as I knew electronic servicing. There to I modified them so anything can be separated. I also repaired them if anything went wrong. But, I still was at a pretty low salary, the same as one plant seed cleaner who was there as long as me. I'm leaving this to appreciate the fact that he had a business that gave me work I liked for 21 years and I was able to use my myriad skills to work. It was sad to be let go on one fatal day. For Cliff, thanks to giving so many people jobs so they could live and strive and enjoy life, give them bonuses and Christmas parties. I think inside he had good heart - and I couldn't believe how much I had in common. I could have chatted for hours about his hobbies. I'll close now and say God bless him and would have wished him a few more years. Life is lovely and precious. May God grant him serenity and peace. I don't know what's on the other side, but if we just believe we will all find out one day. So bless you Cliff and God go with you. I'm surprised no one has left just a little note for condolence. - Posted by: Ron M (Worker at his gone plant) on: Dec 01, 2016