CLARENCE ERIC GEDDES

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CLARENCE ERIC GEDDES April 10, 1919 - August 18, 2015 Clare Geddes, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and friend to many passed away peacefully early in the morning August 18, 2015 at Rock Lake Hospital. He was predeceased by his father and mother Bill and Marjorie Geddes and brother Cameron Geddes and his precious wife Dorothy Geddes. His memory will be cherished by; Daughter Pamela Salzburger, Sons Eric, Earl (Helen Ann), Michael and Maurice (Jane), Grandchildren, Tiffany Salzburger, Tiera (Zac) Norman, Tiana (Gilbert) Gratton, Sheene (Jon) Newkirk, Ryan (Stephanie) Geddes, Sohmer (Leigh) Solomon, Matthew (Shannon) Geddes, Barney (Kaeleigh) Geddes and Charles (Crystal) Geddes. Great- grandchildren, Alyssa, Cameron, Kaleb Norman, Ava Claire and Holly Gratton, Lulu Newkirk, Athan, Nika and Cullum Geddes, Kaden and Tanner Solomon, Dylan and Dallas Geddes. Brother Murray Geddes and family, sister-in-law Joyce Raitt and family as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Clare lived his entire life in the Pilot Mound area of Manitoba except for his years of service in Europe during the Second World War. He loved the Pilot Mound area and all of the wonderful people, history and nature of the region. His passion for searching for historical artifacts, birds and flowers were well served well by living on the farm west of Pilot Mound from 1946 until he moved closer to town and eventually the Prairie View Lodge and most recently the PVL Personal Care Home. Clare signed up to serve in the Second World War the same day as his lifelong friend Tom Taylor and was friends with him to the end of his life. He looked forward to the Legion's Remembrance Day services and always dressed up and marched along with the other Legion members reminding his children to never forget the sacrifice so many have made. Clare was a pioneer in many respects but certainly in the cattle business in Canada where be brought some of the very first Charolais cross cattle to Canada in 1957 from Texas and the very first French Charolais from France in 1964. His leadership at the Canadian Charolais Association resulted in the first North American hotel Ballroom Sale in the brand new Lombard Hotel in Winnipeg in 1971. He was all for creating a stir. Clare and his wife Dorothy travelled to many countries around the world while he was involved in providing leadership to the International Charolais Association. His trip to Argentina was a highlight as well as the friendships he made in France and Japan. His commitment to agricultural leadership and development was recognized by the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, Red River Exhibition, Canadian and International Charolais Associations, the Manitoba Beef Cattle Performance Association as well as many others including the Pilot Mound community for his volunteer work. He also enjoyed social get togethers and especially dancing. So much so that he moved the Forrester's Hall out to the farm so there could still be community dancing. For many it became known as the "Dancing Stock Farm" In his later years Clare grew tremendous gardens with gladiolus and lilies. He loved to show them at the horticultural show and deliver them to folks around town who were unable to grow their own. Dad was a great participant in the Sunday outings with the Davidson, Hughson and Cavers families at Barber's Lake or Rock Lake. Dad and Grandpa was very proud of all of his children and grandchildren and while they were a bit noisy for him sometimes he was always greatly interested in what and how they were doing. He taught us all about the value of trees to protect the soil and just for beauty. He taught us to stop and pick up a stone as it might just be an ancient artifact and to stop and smell a flower just because we would not likely see it again. A man of few words in difficult times he would often say "Life goes on", as his does now going to join Dorothy and his family and friends who have passed away before him. Enjoy the next journey Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and friend. A celebration of Clare's life will take place on Wednesday, August 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pilot Mound United Church. In lieu of flowers donations could be made to the Pilot Mound United Church. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.wheatlandfs.com Wheatland Funeral Service (204) 825-2848 www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2015