CLIFFORD VICTOR CARLSON

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CLIFFORD VICTOR CARLSON Clifford Victor Carlson was born February 23, 1908, and passed away at Boundary Trails Health Centre March 6, 2002. He was predeceased by his parents; sister Ethel in 1925; brother-in-law Pres Moffat in 1998; and his wife Wilda in July 2000. He is survived by his sister Effie L. Moffat of Winnipeg; nephews, Terry Moffat of Winnipeg and Dr. Murray Moffat (Linda) of Toronto; Effies grandchildren, Grant Moffat (Diana) and Karen Van Kempen (Dimitri) of Toronto. He will be fondly remembered by Wildas family, Shirley Goodman of Winnipeg, John Anderson (Violet) of Sidney, BC; and Wildas nieces and nephews. His memory will be cherished by his cousins and special friend, Lavina Granger. Clifford, known to us as Kelly, the eldest child of Carl and Ebba Carlson, was born on the farm. He was baptized on August 6, 1908 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and confirmed May 20, 1925. Kelly received his education in Erickson and began his farming career. After his fathers death in 1952, he took over the family farm. Living in the Erickson district all his life he claimed the title, "a genuine Erickson pioneer". School teachers that came to Erickson usually found a husband and so it was for Wilda. On November 5, 1941, Kelly and Wilda were married at Bowsman by her father, Pastor Anderson. Together Kelly and Wilda enjoyed a busy life. Their retirement home built in Erickson hosted many get-togethers and parties. Kelly made daily trips to the farm keeping up with what crops were planted and watched as they were harvested. He especially enjoyed going out to Russell and Kay Tillers farm to watch threshing. Retirement and Wildas coaxing got them to take a few trips overseas, the trip to Hawaii was okay, but the best was the trip to Sweden. He came home wearing a lapel button that boasted 110% Swedish - the heritage he was so proud of. People will remember the accident Kelly had falling off a load of hay, breaking both his wrists. He took part in many parades in town driving his Model T Ford with Wilda by his side. Many organizations benefitted by his dedication and volunteer work. He was a charter member of the Erickson Credit Union. At the opening of the new building last summer, Kelly took part cutting the ribbon. He was a charter member of the Erickson Flying Club (1973) and a charter member of the Erickson Lutheran Church and served on the Parish Council. He held positions on the Manitoba Pool Elevator Executive Committee, the Board of Directors of the Erickson Co-op and was part of the 1984 History Book Committee. Kelly was a member of the Erickson Lions Club and received a Lifetime Membership in the Lions International. Although Kelly never threw a curling rock he worked at the rink for eight years. Kelly and Wilda had no children of their own and yet children were foremost in their lives. Wildas teaching career touched young people in many ways and continues on through the $1000 scholarship awarded to an ECI graduate each June. This scholarship is set up for 25 years. Music was always a priority in Kellys life. At an early age he took a few violin lessons. He learned to not only play but also wrote music. He sang tenor in a quartet with Leonard Gusdal, Arthur Neilson and Edwin Hall. He and Russell enjoyed singing with the Neepawa Barbershoppers for six years, loving the close harmony. Kelly was a lifelong participant of the Erickson Lutheran Male Chorus and sang with the choir for over 75 years. The last time Kelly was heard singing with the chorus was on February 17 at the Erickson Care Home. Kelly enjoyed playing dance music on his violin. He also loved dancing and kicked up his heels at Kenny and Lisas wedding. The Melody Aces was the local band in the 1950s where Kelly played his violin. At Lions Club meetings he was the song leader who loved making the Lions roar. He and Wilda assisted Lavina Holmberg with singing lessons. Lasting contributions to the Erickson Lutheran Church are the handbell chimes, a gift celebrating their 50th anniversary, and the Heintzman piano he and Effie donated to the church. After Wildas demise, life changed for Clifford. Her seeing eyes were not there to read the daily newspaper and keep him up on current events. He relied on neighbours and friends for company and rides to the coffee shop. Kelly appreciated all the help he received from home care, Meals on Wheels and caring friends. On Saturday, February 23, Kellys 94th birthday, he had the misfortune of falling. Thankfully his sister and nephew were at his side to help him. On March 6, 2002, Clifford slept peacefully away and has joined the heavenly choir. The funeral service in thanksgiving to God for his life was held at the Erickson Lutheran Church, March 9, with Pastor Lanny Knutson officiating; interment at the Erickson Cemetery. The pallbearers were Walter Holm, Norval Lee, Reg Nylen, Harold Stitt, Russell Tiller and Earl Wickdahl. Sparrows Funeral Home in Minnedosa were in care of the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2002