Obituary of William Clifford

Clifford, William Cecil: Suddenly on Monday June 6, 2011, at Henley House in his 89th year. Beloved husband of the late Agnes for 60 years. Proud father of Joy of Nanaimo B.C., John and Viviane of Ottawa, Maureen and Ken Cripps of St. Catharines, Bill and Elly of London On, Mark and Beth of St. Catharines, Frank and Cathy of Blind Bay N.S., Peter and Adriana of St. Catharines, Robert and Lynette of Orillia. Cherished grandfather of Ruby, Kate, Seamus, Lauren, Christine, Sean, Natalie, Zack, Natassia, James, Thomas, Matthew, and Ian. Bill is survived by his sister Edith McCann of Cambridge, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sons Thomas, and Paul, sister Marie Bald, and brothers Joe and Msgr. Matthew, and his parents Cecil and Margaret. Bill was a member of St. Julia Church since its inception, was a former Grand Knight of the 4th degree K of C. Bill was the owner of Clifford Real Estate Ltd., for many years. Bill served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Spitfire pilot and Squadron Leader for Typhoon fighter bombers completing 93 missions in WWII. Before the war Bill played All Ontario Lacrosse and competed as a rower in the Henley Regatta. One of his hobbies was painting scenic portraits with oil paints, and he loved his cigars The Canadian Red Cross was a passion of Bill's and they received the maximum 'gift of life' (Blood Donation) from him. Bill's family will greet their friends at the George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Wednesday June 8th from 7-9 p.m., Thursday June 9th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Friday June 10th, at St.Julia Church at 11a.m., with interment to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.Vigil prayers will be said in the funeral home on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Memorial remembrance made to the Hotel Dieu Shaver and Rehab and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.