CLIFFORD GEORGE RISBY

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CLIFFORD GEORGE RISBY Captain Clifford George Risby, beloved husband of Lavina, was Promoted to Glory on Saturday, October 27, 2001, at the Steepleview Care Home in Cranbrook, BC. Besides his wife of 60 years, Cliff leaves his daughter Barbara Bowles (Knud Larsen) of Fernie, BC; three grandsons, Ron (Heather) Bowles of Ladner, BC with their children, Josh and Julia, Dan Bowles (Megan Thirlwell) of Calgary, AB, and Gordie Bowles of Vancouver, BC; brother-in-law Larry (Evelyn) Larson of Cape Coral, FL, Tris Rowe of Fernie; as well as special friends. Cliff was born in Winnipeg, MB on April 1, 1915 to parents, George and Daisy Risby. The Salvation Army and the Salvation Army Band played an important role in Cliffs life. It was through the music and singing that Cliff met and later married Lavina Larson. Shortly after their marriage, Cliff volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of the Salvation Army War Services and shortly after his transfer to Moncton, NB, Cliff became a father with the arrival of their daughter Barbara. Following the war Cliff lived with his family in Winnipeg and remained active in the Salvation Army and later became bandmaster of the Ellice Avenue Corps. At the age of 50, Cliff learned of the need for youth workers in the United States, and so he and Lavina moved to Santa Barbara, CA and later to San Jose. The couple decided to study and become Salvation Army Officers. Their first post was Tucson, AZ and a year later Mesa, AZ. While in Mesa the Risbys were instrumental in establishing not only a church, but also a daycare for low income families, as well as many other social services. Cliff always felt that this was one of the greatest accomplishments of his life. The following years the couple were stationed in Monterey, Burbank and Seattle before retiring to Fernie in 1980. While in Fernie Cliff ran the Salvation Army Thrift Store and worked part time for the probation department. In 1990 the couple spent some time in the Okanagan before returning to the Kootenays, settling at Joseph Creek Village in Cranbrook. A selfless, devoted Christian, Cliff embraced those around him with tender words and his love of music. His life will be celebrated, and his memory precious, to those who loved him. The funeral service will be celebrated at the Salvation Army Church in Cranbrook, 22 8th Ave. S., on Thursday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m., with Captain Ginny Kristensen officiating. Interment will take place at St. Margarets Cemetery in Fernie at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 2, with Major Joan Shayler officiating. Pallbearers are Ron Bowles, Dan Bowles, Gordie Bowles, Knud Larsen, Tris Row and Robert Danco. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in Cliffs name to the Fernie or Cranbrook Branch of the Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2001