Clifford Avery Dark May 29, 1926 - May 30, 2010
On Sunday, May 30, 2010 Clifford Avery Dark, precious husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Vernon, BC surrounded by the love of his family. He was the husband of Zilpha Ewen, his childhood sweetheart for 62 years theirs was a rare and enduring love story. His children Trevor (Marcia) of Calgary, AB, Bonnie (Jay) of Vancouver, BC, Brent (Nadiya) of Doha Qatar and Trent (Flo) of Niagara Falls, ON held their dad with the greatest of respect and the deepest of devotion, while he continually reminded them of the overwhelming pride they brought him. He will be so greatly missed by his grandchildren Garrett, Jordie, Samantha, Adam, Ayden and Marcia's daughters, Sarah and Erin, as they all were major sources of pride and beneficiaries of his love; and other family members including brother-in-law and sister-in-law Art and Shirley Ewen of Riverhurst, SK and sister-in law and brother-in law Bernice and Dick Sanderson of Kelowna, BC; as well as nine nieces and nephews. Clifford was predeceased by his parents Fred and Gertrude Dark; his parents-in-law Geordie and Mabel Ewen; his sister Adelda Johnstone; and two infant sons. Although much could be said about his successful professional life-in business with his father in W.F. Dark and Son, in advertising at the Moose Jaw Times Herald, in public service in the Government of Saskatchewan for thirty years--it was his family which brought him the greatest joy and deepest satisfaction. His favourite place on earth was the family cottage on Echo Lake --which he, Zilpha, and the family built- and his greatest joy was when the 'kids' and their children travelled from distant spots each summer to be together at the family meeting place in the Qu'Appelle Valley. His enduring love of the prairieswhich he considered 'home'-was deeply embedded in his soul. He was an avid fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and, since he was a small boy, was an unwavering supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Yankees. He will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness, honesty, decency, humility and genuineness -qualities rare in one human being. He will be greatly missed but will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren who intimately witnessed a life well lived. Heartfelt thanks to nurses of Third Floor North and Drs. Dippenaar, Moire, Hardy and Botha of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital for their humane and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. A Gathering of Family and Friends to celebrate the life of Dad will be held at Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
