Obituary of Lyle Clifford

Lyle (Herbert) Clifford passed away on Tuesday March 31, 2020 at the Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, SK at the age of 90 years.

Lyle leaves behind: his wife of 54 years, Rita; sons, Ben (Yvonne), Darren (Caroline), and Kent (Chris); grandchildren, Katelyn, Larissa, Sarah, Catherine, Felicity and Spencer; and other close family and friends. 

Lyle was predeceased by: his sister, Stena (Cecil).

Lyle was born on June 30, 1929 on his parents (George and Willa) farm near Ribstone, Alberta. He took over managing the farm in 1963 and soon thereafter met the love of his life, Rita, who he married in July 1965. Lyle continued to own and operate the farm, growing grain and raising cattle for the next 40+ years.  Being a real cattleman, every spring when a new herd of baby calves arrived, he would enjoy discovering how many new pets he could make. He also loved his dogs. From the time he was a child, there were always dogs on the farm, even if they didn’t make much of a cattle dog. Lyle remained farming with his son, Darren, up to 2007, at which time Rita and Lyle retired and moved to Lloydminster.

Outside of family and farming, Lyle really enjoyed the game of curling. Throughout the winters he found many leagues and bonspiels to quench his thirst for the game. Fortunately, he was able to play the game up until his year of passing.

Lyle was a gentle and caring man with a great sense of humor. He was well respected in the community and known as a neighbor always willing to lend a helping hand. Lyle will be sadly missed by all that knew him.  Family and friends can take comfort in knowing he was healthy and able until the end and now is in a better place with his maker, free of all earthly pains and challenges.

A private memorial service for Lyle will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Lyle may be made to the donor's charity of choice. 

Close the Gate (For Dad)
By Nancy Kraayenhof

For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,

Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

 

Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,

Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.

 

You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son,

Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.

 

A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way,

The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.

 

Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,

Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.

 

You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow,

Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.

 

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,

Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.