Obituary of Victoria "Vicky" Clifton
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Auntie Vicky (Victoria) Clifton on August 16th, 2024.
Vicky was born June 22, 1936 in the Hampton/Donwell district to Albin and Kate (Sklaruk) Kshanowski. She was the youngest of 4 girls. She attended Mazepa school and finished Grade 7 and started to help her father on the farm.
As a young woman, Vicky explored many places and worked all over. She started with a job in Yorkton at Queen Victoria Hospital and later moved on to Winnipeg and worked in a garment factory and in a nursery at the hospital. It wasn’t long until she moved to Regina. At the Rosemont Grocery store she perfected the skill of meat cutting, which led her to the OK Economy in Swift Current.
Among the many jobs she held over the years, one of her favorite stories came from her time as a cook at the hospital in Yorkton, working alongside her dear friend Olga. The two shared may laughs, but none more memorable than the time one of them lost their glasses in a pot of soup – a story that always made Vicky laugh until tears rolled down her face.
Auntie Vicky had a unique gift for bringing family together. Her home on Calder Place in Yorkton was the backdrop to so many cherished memories – family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, games of hide and seek in the basement, playing cards and the comforting presence of loved ones. She had a contagious laugh that could light up any room and she never missed a chance to share a story, especially about her beloved chihuahua, Coco, who brought her endless joy.
Swift Current held a special spot in Aunties heart as she found the love of her life, Doug Clifton. They eloped to Edmonton in 1975. After getting married, they moved to Whitecourt so Doug could start his job at BJ Hughes. They enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of their time fishing, camping and travelling around the North.
They returned to Swift Current so Doug could join in the family farm. In 1981, Doug tragically passed away, heartbroken Vicky returned to Yorkton to be close to her family. Even through such sorrow, she continued to embrace life, finding happiness in travelling, camping in her RV and spending precious time with her family. Her love of life and adventurous spirit remained a constant, even during the most challenging times.
Vicky was an avid bowler and loved to crochet. If there was a curling, a Blue Jay or Rider game on the TV, you can guarantee she was watching it. She loved animals, especially her dogs…Winky was her companion for many years followed by Coco. Those dogs couldn’t be more loved.
Victoria was predeceased by her husband Doug, her parents Albin and Kate Kshanowski, sisters Alvina, Adeline and Isabel and their respective husbands Fred Kozmech, Metro Romanuik ad Eldon Klotz, her nephews Larry Kozmech, Reg Romanuik, Miles Klotz and Brian Shumay.
She leaves behind a large and loving family, including many nieces, nephews (including great and great-great), who will forever remember her with fondness and love.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Jen Dresser of St. Andrew’s United Church officiating. Carie Stockbrugger, Rob Kaschl and Nicole Mason read scripture. Tamara Woroschuk delivered the eulogy. Tymena Mason sang ‘Heaven by Noon”. Accompanist Amanda Buhler led the congregation in the hymns ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’. The urn bearers were Kristen Shumay and Lindsay Shumay.The honorary urn bearers are all of Vicky’s family. The interment will be held at a later date at Mount Pleasant Burial Park,Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Saskatchewn (1011 University Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7N 0K4) or to the Jim Pattison Children's Hosptial Foundation (1-345 3rd Ave. S, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6) as gifts of remembrance.
