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Cluff, Clarence Reginald

With sadness we announce the peaceful passing of CLARENCE REGINALD CLUFF, Sgt. (Rtd.) of Coaldale, at the Coaldale Health Centre on Saturday, October 11th. 2014, at the age of 99 years. Clarence is survived by his brother Andrew Cluff (Chilliwack, B.C.) and his sister Laura Jones (Saskatoon, SK.). He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Louise, and brothers Les and Doug.

Born in 1915 near Matador, Saskatchewan, Clarence was the eldest son of John and Olive Cluff. From an early age, Clarence tended the farm with his father and established himself as a hard worker and an excellent horseman (though he preferred mules). Clarence was unable to pursue school past Gr. 8 but his quick mind, and his love of books and history set the way for a life-long passion for reading, learning, and collecting the books of G.A. Henty.

Clarence fully lived his long life. He farmed, rode the rails, landed on D-Day, fought through France and Holland, raised prize-winning Angus cattle, served as a Commissionaire, volunteered at the Gem of the West Museum, travelled the world, was Honorary Gunner for the 20th Independent Field Battery, Lethbridge, and faithfully supported ill and failing friends. Throughout his life he demonstrated intelligence, perseverance, honour, decency, bravery, humility, a good sense of humour, and a willingness to always help others. Clarence's service was recognized in 2012 with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and in 2014 when he was awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

In his last days, Clarence was surrounded by many special friends, new and old. Clarence felt very blessed to have such good friends and we were blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed by so many.

We would like to thank Dr. Eric Mueller and all the staff at the Coaldale Health Centre for their compassion and tender care.

A Prayer Service will be held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension - 2115 17 St. S., Coaldale, A.B. on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service with Military honours will be held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Canon Erin Phillips officiating.

Cremation To Follow

Interment at a later date.

In memory of Clarence, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, the Gem of the West Museum, the 20th Independent Field Battery Bursary Fund, or a charity of one's choice.

I only knew Clarence for a short while, but after meeting him for the first time and then hearing about the incredible life he had lived, I knew that I didn't just want him as a friend; I also wanted him as a hero. He was a terrific man who I looked up to right up to the end. He may not have taught me what a soldier should be, but he certainly showed me what kind of person I wanted to be and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you and Stand Easy.

Michael Allary, October 17, 2014

My family and I have had the honored privilege to have known Clarence for the past seven years. His was a full, remarkable life in which we were but a small part. His reminiscences' of his War experiences left us truly in awe and we regarded him as a hero. Clarence was very humble, not even allowing himself that adjective, but to us he personified hero. During our talks, we mused over how the gun detachment soldiers' personalities had changed very little over the past 60 years. Clarence Cluff was a gentleman who never wanted to put anyone out. We would give him rides about town, to the Remembrance Day Ceremonies and to the 20th Field Batterys' annual Mens' X-Mass dinner, where he would be Patricia's date for the evening. Through this he would ask repeatedly if we were put out - this was again our honour to assist him. When he came to my place for coffee my sons would listen to his stories, and as well, be set in awe - we really cannot imagine what this man went through. When he looked at my son's book about the Falaise Gap and remarked, "Falaise Gap, we were lucky to make 100 yards in a day" that in itself speaks wonders of Clarence. He served his family, his friends, the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and his Country with great distinction. Clarence had enriched all of us. In the Artillery, the phrases' are: End of Mission, Stand Easy. Stand Easy Clarence.

WO Chris Damjanoff, Patricia, Nicholas, Ryan Damjanoff, October 17, 2014

Clarence was the first person that I met when I moved to Coaldale. He saw us moving in was came over to say he was so glad to see young kids finally moving into the neighbourhood. It was an older neighbourhood you see, and the kids were all grown up and moved on. When he saw me in uniform he asked me what I did in the Service and from that point on our friendship was bonded. My kids grew up with Clarence. They learned the value that it is better to give than to receive. They never accepted money from Clarence when they came to help him do chores, this was something that neighbours did for one another. I reintroduced Clarence back to the regiment and the Soldiers accepted him with open arms. They were awed by his service and genuinely intrigued when told the stories of missions he had accomplished during the war. If fact there were times when the only thing they could say was "Thank you Clarence, you are an amazing person." Clarence introduced me to his love of books and especially to G.A Henty. I told him I loved reading a good solid adventure story and Clarence had me read some of his books he knew I would especially like. He was right. I did like them. Clarence was an amazing individual whose presence has touched many, many lives over the years. I only wish I had know Clarence longer, but I would not trade these 13 years that I have known him for anything. And finally as all Gunners say at the end..."Job well done, mission over, Stand easy" Clarence now is your time to "Stand Easy" I will miss you immensely, but I hope I will see you again.

Sgt Wendy Nelson, October 16, 2014