Obituary of Clifford McDowell

McDowell - Mr. Clifford McDowell of Yorkton passed away June 3, 2008 at Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 92 years of age. Clifford Harold McDowell was born on November 5th, 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba; the eldest child of five born to Charles and Christina (Kelso) McDowell. He was raised on the family farm in Calder, Saskatchewan and attended school in the Wroxton and Calder area. On November 7, 1946 Clifford McDowell was united in marriage to Victoria (Vicki) Harasen. They were blessed with seven children, Linda, Lorraine, Faye, Garry, Victor, Cindy and Scott. They lived on the farm for many years and later moved into Calder where they owned and operated Calder Service Garage from 1958 to 1993. Cliff was very involved in the community. He served on the Board of Trade, School Board, Yorkton Union Hospital, Wheat Pool Board, Town Council and Mayor. In 1995, Cliff and Vicki retired and moved to Yorkton. His favourite pastimes were playing the guitar, harmonica and accordion. He loved his farm and was a very creative mechanic and welder. He enjoyed planting and tending to his garden and growing some pretty unique flowers. He fixed old clocks, worked in his shop on many wood- work projects and made or repaired many things for his family and friends. He loved to stop and chat with friends and neighbours. Cliff was a very hard working man. He always stopped and took the time to help each and every person that came to the door. He was a caring father, grandfather and great grandfather who loved his family dearly and treasured every visit. He was able to live independently until June 2007 when he moved to the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. Cliff was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Christina; wife Vicki in 1996; son Victor in 1997; siblings Murray, Robert and Marion; as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. Cliff leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life his children: Linda (Leonard) Scraba of Calder, Lorraine Matechuk (Remi) of Canmore, AB, Faye (Robert) Oscienny of Regina, Garry (Debbie) McDowell of Yorkton, Cindy McDowell of Yorkton and Scott McDowell of Canmore, AB; his 13 grandchildren: Brandee, Amanda, Corry, Melanie (Warren), Keri (Corey), Kelly (Lee), Colleen, Eric (Katherine) "Thanks for the many haircuts", Chad (Cara), Adam (Jill), Benson (Bret), Victoria, Megan; his 10 great grandchildren: Tyler, Kale, Brittnee, Katrina, Matthew, Jane, Owen, Jesse, Annabel, Parker; sisters Esther McManus, Mabel Miller; brothers-in-law Stan Komfolio, John Mihalick, Clifford Johnson; sisters-in-law Kay Komfolio, Ann Tatham, Lenora Harasen and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 7th at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Doug Craig of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. The organist, Sharon Litvanyi led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross". A special musical selection, "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill was played. Honourary Bearers were "All Those Who Shared in Cliff's Life ". The interment will take place in the Garden of St. Mark at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, June 7th, 2008 11:00am, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens