MCDONALD: Clifton “Cliff” of Exeter
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On September 13, 2024 @ 2:29 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 147 Comments
Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at LHSC – Victoria Hospital on Friday, September 13, 2024 at the age of 83. Loving husband of Elsie (Kingma) McDonald for 64 wonderful years. Proud dad of Bob and Jacqui McDonald, Brenda and Dave Palsa, Bill and Shannon McDonald, and Brent McDonald and Amanda Kowall. Adored grandpa Cliff of Christina (Brandon); Kale, Nathan, Caleigh, Devyn (Charlie); Devan Kowall, Austen Kowall, and Lauryn and great grandpa of Alexis. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Dorothy Seip, Harry and Sharon Kingma, Wes Hodgson, Marie Kingma, and Tom and Susan Murch. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Robert and Pearl McDonald, infant child Karen McDonald, parents John and Tina Kingma, sisters Hazel Korstad, Jessie Pilling, brother-in-law Johnny Kingma, Sam Kingma, and sister-in-law of Christine Hodgson.
Cliff was a diesel mechanic for many years, working for Guenther Tuckey, Laidlaw, and Andex throughout his career. He was a very talented pianist and played in the Whiskey Jacks band. Cliff was a proud member of the R.E. Pooley, Branch 167 (Exeter Legion) for many years. He loved football, and reading up on the history of his birthplace (Grey Township). Together he and Elsie travelled to various places and often stopped by the casino to test their luck.
Keeping with Cliff’s wishes cremation has taken place.
Donations to South Huron Hospital Foundation – Nursing Education Fund, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Special thanks to the staff of South Huron Hospital for their compassion and care over the past few years, along with the Thoracic team at Victoria Hospital.
Condolences for the family of “MCDONALD: Clifton “Cliff” of Exeter”
Elsie and the whole families, so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing, we had great times over the years(blue dress) such a great guy, he will be playing a piano up there! hugs and love to all of you!❤️
To: Elsie, Brenda , Brent and the entire Family
Our sincere condolences to you at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Elsie and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. ❤️
Brenda, sending you my sincere condolences
Elsie, Brenda, Dave and all of the family
SIncere sympathy to each of you. We are all sharing a time of grief. Wishing you peace and joy.
Elsie, Brenda & family
Our sincere sympathy to all of you on your loss…
Barry & Melonie Miller
Great fun loving guy. Good to work with. Sorry to hear another good one gone. My condolences to the whole family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elsie and family at this sad time!
Cliff was a great man ! He enjoyed life!
R.I.P. Cliff 🙏🙏
Elsie, Bob, Bill, Brent and Families
Condolences on the loss of your Husband and Dad
Elsie and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing. Sometimes life is not fair. Cliff will be missed by everyone who new him. Always remember the fun times. It will help keep his memory close. Hugs to all.
Susan and Tom Murch and family
Elsie, Brenda,Bob, Bill and Brent and families
My deepest condolences in the loss of Cliff. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Dear Elsie & family, our heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Cliff. He will certainly be missed . It may be tough for many months/years to come , as you all learn to carry on in his honour . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Barry & Diane
Elsie and family:
Sincerely sorry to read about Cliff.
He will be missed by all the legion bunch. Deepest sympathy.
Elsie and family!!! Our deepest sympathy
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill and Brent sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your families on the passing of Cliff. Keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Rob & Christina Taylor
Elsie & Family,
Sorry to read that we have lost one of our best CHICKEN bowlers.
Thinking of you all at this time of loss.
Hugs,
Wally & Lois Webster
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, Brent and families,
So sorry to hear about Cliff. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during the sad days ahead.
Margie
so sorry for your loss …Elsie!!! so remem. working with you at Darlings.!!!
My heartfelt sympathy dear Elsie , sweet Brenda and Brent, what a sweet man I got to know him a little before I retired, when he was a patient . Memories are a gift that we will forever remember. Hugs!
Elsie and all the family.
My sincere condolences on the passing of Cliff. Remember all the good times over the years.
A great uncle to the Seip family.
Love to my aunt and cousins.
Brenda & Dave,
Sorry to read your father passed away.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincere Sympathy,
Peggy Restemayer
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My thoughts are with you.
Elsie, so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Winston and Carol
Elsie, Bob & Jacqui, Brenda & Dave, Bill & Shannon, Brent & Amanda
Sending Sincere Condolences & Hugs. Hold onto your wonderful memories and each other and be sure to lean on all of your friends through the difficult days ahead. Rest in the sweetest peace Cliffy ❤️.
~Andrea & Craig Alexander~
Elsie & Family:
Offering sincere condolences to all on the loss of Cliff. Missed but he will live one in your precious
memories.
Joan
Dear Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, and Brent
I am so very sorry for your loss of a husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. Cliff was the most gentle man, and such a well loved person. He never asked for much, and always had a little grin or a wave of his hand.
It was a true honour and privilege to know Cliff. Heaven has gained the best! Sending all of you huge hugs and love.
Rest easy Clifton ♥️
I will miss you….
Elsie and family
We are so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing. Our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time. RIP Cliff
Judy and Ron Pickering
Elsie my condolences to you and all your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thinking of the families during this difficult time.
To Elsie and family So sorry for the loss Cliff you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hang on to the memories.
Elsie and Family my Condolences to all Cliff was a great brother in law and friend Chris and I had some great times together some we talk about some we don’t I will miss him dearly
Elsie, Bob & Jacqui, Brenda & Dave, Bill & Shannon, Brent & Amanda & families;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dear Husband, Father & Grandfather. I always enjoyed hearing him play in the band. May your many great memories comfort you all at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill and Brent and Families
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Lori and Murray
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to Cliff’s family .
Elsie and family. Our deepest sympathy. Cliff was a great guy and he will be missed by so many. May your awesome memories be a blessing at this difficult time. 💕
Elsie and all your family,
Please accept my condolences to you. We had a loot of good times together and many breakfasts. My thoughts are with you.
Peter
Elsie and family,
We are sorry to see that Cliff’s journey has ended.
Cherish his memories and we hope that helps during this sad time.
Cliff will be remembered by a lot for his talent.
Our condolences to the entire family.
Dear McDonald Family
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear dad and husband
Condolences to all of you
Dearest Elsie, Brenda, Brent, Bob, Bill;
So very sad to read of your loss. Sending our sincere condolences. So many wonderful memories you have to keep him with you forever
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
Elsie and the entire families, so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing, so many great memories hold them close, hugs to all of you.
Elsie and family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Elsie and Family
Our sincere sympathy to you and all your family. Still remember Cliff sitting at the piano with everyone singing along. Those were the days! Our thoughts are with all of you.
Brenda & families my deepest condolences
Our deepest sympathy to Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill and Brent and your families. Thinking of you during this difficult time but cherish all the great memories from the many years you had together.
Dear Elsie. So very sorry to hear of Cliff’s death. My condolences to you and your family. Hugs.
Lois McCallum
Elsie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Elsie and family please except my condolences in the passing of your dear husband and father.
Elsie and Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Lots of memories of darts and Legion events.
Wanda Reynolds
To all of the McDonald family
I am very sorry to hear of your loss
May he rest in peace
My condolences to you all
To Elsie and family
So sorry to learn of Cliff’s passing. He was one of dad’s card playing group at the Legion, they will be together playing euchre.
Our condolences to all, keep your memories close to your hearts
Our deepest sympathy Elsie , Brenda, and all the rest of your family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Cherish all those memories in the days ahead.
Elsie and family…sending our deepest condolences for your loss.
Cliff was one great guy and they only accept the best in Heaven.
We can only imagine he is on the piano playing his heart out, like he always did.
R.I.P. Cliff
Bill and Linda
Our deepest sympathies to Elsie & family Cliff sure will be missed
Elsie and Family;
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Dear Elsie and family . So sorry to hear Cliff has passed.
He will be missed dearly. Thinking of you at this sad time .
Hugs Cy & Eleanor
Elsie and family
So sorry to hear about Cliff. You and Cliff were great tenants above the store for many years. John loved talking to Cliff. You have our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.
Elsie and family
My deepest sympathy to all
Hugs
Elsie and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Our sincere sympathy to all of you.
So sorry for the loss of your dad. My heart is filled with great memories of a very fun loving man.
Condolences to Elsie and family, enjoyed working with Cliff and he was a great guy. R I P.
Bob and Joyce McDonald
Dear Elsie, Bob & Jacqui, Brenda & Dave, Bill & Shannon, Brent & Amanda and families,
It sure is hard when the Circle of Life knocks on one’s door but the wonderful memories of the good & great times together is what will sustain you in the future…….Cliff’s sense of presence will continue through Bob, Brenda, Bill & Brent – as it should.
Elsie, you & Cliff created the wonderful McDonald Family, lean on them in the coming days, weeks, months & years – and let them spoil you……
God Bless You Cliff, RIP.
Elsie and family:
My condolences to all of you. Sorry to hear about his passing. I will always remember Cliff at the legion with his little dances steps after a few “50’s” or playing the piano. He enjoyed playing it after meat draws. Cherish all the great memories.
Joan Finkbeiner
So sorry although we didn’t always see each other we love him from Teresa Becky and James seip
Elsie and Family:
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Cliff.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad, difficult time.
Elsie and family
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all at this very sad time.
Elsie and family,
Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Cliff’s sharp wit and thoughtful insights will be missed. RIP.
Elsie and family:
So sorry to read of Cliff’s passing. A simple man who was dearly loved. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Cherish all the wonderful memories. 💕💕
Dear Elsie & Family,
Sending my condolences to you with the passing of Cliff. Praying for comfort and peace for you today and for the coming days as you navigate your changed world.
Sending hugs 💕
Elsie and family,
Sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your families at this sad time.
Elsie, Bill, Bob, Brenda, Brent, and family. So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Cliff touched many lives- mine included. I’m grateful I got the chance to know him. Keep the memories of Cliff’s alive and Brenda always remember you were Daddys little girl..💔
Our deepest condolences
Brenda and family condolences on the loss of your father. May the memories be a blessing.
Elsie & All Your Family
My sympathy on the loss of Cliff. Lot of years together. So many memories for all of you to share now & in the coming days. Prayers for all of you.
Margaret Brintnell
Brent, Brenda and families, my deepest condolences on your Dad’s passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Elsie, Bob, Brenda,Bill, Brent and Families
My condolences to each of you at this sad time. Cherish all the Memories that each of you have of him. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Legion, playing the piano and wow he sure could play it, as well seeing him out in public. Always had a hello or wave. I’m thinking of you all and sending hugs.
Cathy
Elsie and family.
Sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing.
Hoping that in time, peace and comfort will heal your hearts. Our deepest sympathy.
Dear Elsie Brenda and families so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing he was such a fun loving guy he will be missed by all who knew him. Cherish the memories . RIP Cliff
Elsie and family, Cliff was a true gentleman anytime I would run into him. He was a good friend of my mom ( Julia). RIP my friend, and God Bless You!
Elsie and family,
So sorry to hear about Cliff’s passing. Deepest sympathies to you all.
Elsie and Family;
So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. My heartfelt condolences.
Norma Khan (Jones)
Our sincere condolences to Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, Brent & families.
Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
We have lots of great memories of Bill & Cliff working together for many years
at Guenther Tuckey & Laidlaw, “Back in the Good Old Days”.
Thinking of you all.
So sorry to learn of. Cliff’s passing was always a pleasure to be in his company especially when the piano was involved
Elsie, Brenda & Family
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband, father, & grandfather. My deepest sympathy to you all at this most difficult time.
Brenda , Dave and McDonald family. Condolences on the loss of your loved one. He had a great life and with Elsie raised a wonderful family and left behind a legacy to be proud of .
Wima and Derrick Misner
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to Elsie and the whole family
Dear Elsie and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and all of your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Martin and Cheryl Gelinas
Very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Sending you and your families our condolences.
Allan & Dorothy Spiegelberg
Saddened to hear about passing of my uncle Cliff. Wishing we all could have spent more time together. Heartfelt wishes to Elsie and family. DougPilling
Elsie and Families….Our sincere sympathy to all the families, Our thoughts and prayers to all….Hold tight to all the wonderful memories..
Elsie and family, Kingma family, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Cliff was a friendly man. He was a great piano player. George worked with Cliff for many years. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Elsie, Bob & Jacqui, Brenda & Dave, Bill & Shannon, Brent & Amanda
So sorry to hear of Cliffs passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Treasure your memories.
To Elsie and the entire family
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Cliff. He was a great guy. Everyone will miss him greatly. You all will have very special memories to help you through this hard time.
With Deepest Sympathy
Donna Perry
Elsie and family,
Our sincere sympathy to you in this time of sadness and loss.
Sending our deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time.
Treasure all of the great memories close to your heart.
Bill & Shannon; So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you through the difficult days. Mary & John
Elsie and Family
We are sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. We are thinking of you at this sad time. Enjoyed so many years working with Cliff at Guenther Tuckey and Laidlaw Transport.
Condolences to all the families may he RIP
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, Brent and families. Please accept our condolences on the loss of Cliff. Cherish the memories.
Jason and Collette Van Haarlem
Elsie, Bob and Jacqui, Brenda and Dave, Bill and Shannon, Brent and Amanda and families:
Thinking of all at this sad and difficult time in your loss of Cliff. He has left a lot of wonderful memories you will now treasure and carry in your hearts forever
as your new journey begins. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion
Brenda & Dave and family
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Sending you our condolences.
Donnie & Jodie
Elsie and family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Hold his memories close to your heart!
Jen
Elsie & Family
So sorry to hear of Cliff passing. You have sincere sympathy.
Marilyn Dewan
Elsie and family
Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending heartfelt condolences your way.
To the entire McDonald family
Extending my deepest sympathy to you all following the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Share the memories as you walk this next road in life and know you are not alone. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Elsie and family. My sincere condolences on the passing of Cliff. You will have many many memories to treasure in the times ahead.
Ettie Ramsay
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, Brent and families
I am so sorry to see Cliff has passed away, always enjoyed seeing him…thinking of you all and hold all the great memories you have to get you through the next days.
Sincere sympathy
Liz Campbell
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, Brent and families.
I am very sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Hugs to you all.
Kelly
Elsie and Family. Thinking of you all at this sad time. We remember Cliff many times with the piano playing. Keep the memories close to your heart.
To the entire McDonald and Kingma families,
So sorry to hear about Cliff. Mark has many fond memories of him growing up. Thinking of you all.
Mark, Mary Ellen, Jack and Sam FInlayson
To Elsie and family.
Sending condolences to all. Worked with Cliff at Guenther Tuckey and then at Andex. Always lots of laughs when in his company. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill, Brent and families
So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Deanne and Darryl Glavin
Deepest sympathy to the entire family of Cliff. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone
Elsie, Brenda and family
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Cliff. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Elsie and family. Our sincere sympathy at this time. Our coffee group has sure changed over a short period of time. Nothing stays the same. Think of all the good times we had together and all the casino bus trips. Lots of good memories with your family also. Bob and Bernice Boogemans
We were so sorry to hear Cliff had passed away. Our sincere sympathy to you Elsie and all your family.
Dear Elsie, Brenda and family
So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing.
Sincere condolences
Deb and Bob Gehan
LC, Ray J… Bob, Jacqui, Bill…. and extended families
Tara and I are sending love ❤️ and support on the loss of Mr McDonald “Clyde the stryde” he could dance like no other and tickle those Ivory’s with the most talented hands
I had the pleasure of joining him with my Tenor Sax 🎷 years ago at the legion!!! and working with LC at Holtzmann’s for a few years 🥰
My thoughts and prayers are with you Elsie and your family. Cliff was a quite lovable man he always said hello and years ago Always made Elsie and I on Pancake day made us pancakes after work. Rest In Peace Cliff.
Elsie, Bob, Brenda, Bill & Brent
Very sorry for your loss, may memories warm your hearts
Elsie and Family, please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one.
He was a good man ,a friendly man and always liked a good laugh. You have all been blessed to have had him!Remember the good times and smile as you talk and think about him.
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Our deepest sympathies. We are thinking of you’s at this time.
Sending our love and hugs to you all at this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories as we know we will to of time spent with Cliff ❤️
My deepest sympathies to Elsie and her family.
Elise, and family our deepest sympathy to all of you at this sad and difficult time. Jean Clarke,
Dave and Marlene Mitton
Sympathies to the entire family on the passing of Cliff.
McDonald Family,
So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Brenda and Family,
We are truly sorry for the loss of your Dad. Please take comfort in all your memories. Love and Hugs, Kim and Kevin.
Elsie and family
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Cliff. Mom and dad really enjoyed your company and dad loved working with Cliff at Tuckey’s and later Laidlaw Transport. So many memories.
Dianne, Bruce, Audrey and Sueanne Adkins
Bill and Shannon and families,
So sorry for loss. Your memories and love for your dad will be with you always.
Deb Marshall
To Elsie and the entire family . We are saddened to hear of the passing of Cliff .So many great memories over the years through the affiliation of the Royal Canadian Legion events, tounaments , picnics with our parents . Our hearts go out you s all . The Hearn family . Bryan , Kari
Elsie & family
Our deepest sympathy of the loss of a dear father & husband Cliff. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Ross & Marlene Mathers
Our sincerest condolences to Elsie and the extended McDonald family. Cliff is remembered as a modest man who went about his business quietly and without fanfare. He was a prolific reader which gave him an understanding of the world at large. and made him an interesting person to talk with. He will be missed.
Hank and Pat van der Linde
We extend our condolences to all of the family of Cliff and the loss of a dear husband, father, grand father and great grandfather. We remember a friendly man who will be missed. You are in our thoughts.
Elsie and family, sending our deepest sympathies. So sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing may he rest peacefully.
Suzy, Ray and Mae Ling Chong
Dearest Elsie, Brenda, Bob, Bill and Brent and families
I was very saddened to read of Cliff’s passing.
What a great man he was!
So so many fond and fun memories of the many years of knowing him and all of you. He loved life! May all the wonderful memories and the many friendships made give you peace and comfort. Sending my heartfelt condolences, love and light,
Kelly Morrison (Jones)
Xo
Elsie and family,so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. I worked with Cliff at Andex ,he was a great employee and fun to work with. Lots of memories. My condolences to you and your family.
My Condolences to Elsie and the Mcdonald family.
Cliff was great guy. Always talked about work . especially at GT.
Rest in Peace Cliff. God bless!
Dear Elsie and the four B’s, how we wish that we could reverse time and spend it a little more wisely and a little more focused on family that thrived back in the twenties, thirties and forties in Bluevale, Huron County. I remember the days of buckboard rides behind the tractor and a very young uncle Clifton. Gramna Pearl would play the piano and Grampa Bob would play the fiddle. “Give Me that old time religion”! May you all know that he was loved from afar as we coveted the old family pictures of days gone by. May you RIP dear uncle Clifton, reunited with all those awaiting your homecoming. I can see by the many many condolences, what a rich life you built. May your smile ever warm the hearts that think of you often. ♥️ Hugsfrom Karen Melanie Martyn (Pilling)
What a loss. Our condolences to the family. Hold your memories close to your heart to help you through this sad time
Dear Brent, we are very sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing, our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I have great memories of Cliff coming home from the legion on the weekends and playing your piano, he will be greatly missed by all.
Hey bud, reach out anytime, 250-862-1333.
Jeff and Cindy Chipchase
Every time I see the cream and green colors, it reminds me of Cliff in the paint shop.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Margaret
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Bill & Shanon and Family
Sorry to about your panthers passing ! Sending you and your families my condolences ..