It is with heavy hearts that the family of Clifford Arthur Carlson announce his passing, on September 29th, 2023, at the age of 61. He is now at peace, after spending his final days surrounded by family.
Clifford was born on August 31st, 1962, growing up in Port Arthur, he often spent time with ‘the boys’ in the neighbourhood. They spent their days building soapbox cars and frequently travelling to Surprise Lake, with his brother, for barbecuing and waterskiing.
A jack-of-all-trades, Clifford took interest in various vocations. He attended local schools for welding, served as a pit crew member at Riverview Raceways, for his cousin Albert Wierriko, did carpet cleaning, and eventually began his career at the Chronicle Journal, where he worked for over 25 years.
When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed cruising, concerts, hockey, Nascar, watching local baseball games, and collecting corresponding memorabilia. He loved watching all types of racing, dirt track being one of his favourites, and traveled often to see them. There were many adventures to racetracks in the States, with his treasured friends, Brad, and Jay Cuff.
He valued visiting friends and family and spent countless holidays and family gatherings on Onion Lake Road and in Nolalu, with his brothers and their families. Clifford celebrated every holiday in style, especially Christmas, and you could always count on him to bring a literal light into any room he walked into. He simply wanted to brighten the lives of others, and that he certainly did.
After some health concerns over the past few years, Clifford persevered and continued putting “one foot in front of the other” to make the most of his days. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the medical teams who helped care for him, their care and compassion will be fondly remembered.
Clifford will live on through stories and sunsets, both of which he adored. He will be remembered for all of the heart he shared with his friends and family. He genuinely loved each of them, and if you knew him, you were sure of it. When his time came, Clifford carried himself with dignity, strength, and love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.
He leaves his passion for life to live on through his brothers, Kenny (Marlene) Idman and Lenny (Mariola) Carlson; sister Kathy McDonaugh; and loving sister-in-law, Linda Idman; nieces, Lee Ann, Tina, Sara and Amy; nephews Todd, Duane, Kelly, Jamie, Ryan, and Sean, to whom he was a proud uncle. They and their children knew his love for them through his big hugs, kind nature and thoughtful gifts. He will also be missed by his cousins, Roy Nalli, and Ulla McCutcheon; and his working family at the Chronicle Journal. Clifford will be warmly remembered by his closest friends, Brad Folino, Robbie Jung, and Sherry Archer, to name a few, who joined him in making some of his fondest memories.
Predeceased by his parents, Flora, and Harry; big brothers, Allan, Rick (Linda); aunts, Taimi and Margaret; uncle, Tauno “Shooter”; and cousins, Albert and Margaret.
In lieu of flowers, Clifford would tell you to go enjoy a concert, go for a road trip, watch a game, and to live life and enjoy every minute. If friends wish to make a donation in his name, please consider donating to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
