Clifford Nelson of Rimbey, AB, passed away Oct. 14, 2019 at 96 years of age in the Rimbey Hospital.
Clifford's life story began when his Father, Nils Nelson and his Mother, Sigrid Borge, left Norway and arrived in Canada on February 2, 1922. They were married the next day on February 3 and travelled by train to Queenstown, Alberta, where his Father had previously purchased 2 quarters of land and had built a house for his new bride. Clifford was born at home on the farm on November 30, 1922. His early years were happy ones, hanging out with all his cousins just down the road. He attended Lake McGregor School, a half mile from their home, where he completed grade 8. In 1937, after seven years of no crops, the decision was made to purchase a quarter of land at Hoadley, Alberta, where a friend of theirs had previously moved. The farm at Milo was rented to Nils' cousin and the family packed essential belongings (6 cows, 2 wagons, 2 seeders, a hay rake, beds and some chairs) into a train car and they drove their Model T car to their new home. Everything else they owned was left behind. In 1946 Clifford purchased his own quarter south of his Dad's for $300.00 and these are the two quarters he owned until his passing. In addition to farming he also worked off of the farm driving Cat for George Johnstone, he worked on threshing crews throughout the area, and he also travelled to Southern Alberta to help his cousins on their farms. In 1947, life became a little more challenging for Clifford when he hurt his knee after sliding down a ramp for stacking hay. He was then in and out of hospitals for the next 2 years until his knee joint was removed and his leg bones were fused together. Clifford purchased a home in Rimbey in 1984 and he and his Mom moved to town with Clifford continuing to farm for a few more years. In 1976, Clifford and Granny went on a trip to Norway. There he discovered many relatives he had never met before and also discovered that he loved to travel. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and he made many more trips to Norway after that. He taught himself how to speak Norwegian and he loved to say things to us that we didn't understand. He also connected with relatives living in the US and made numerous trips there. As well, he made many trips throughout Canada, with one being to Tuktoyaktuk. He was a lifelong rodeo fan and loved to attend the chuckwagon races until he was no longer able and then you would find him listening to them on his radio. He also enjoyed floor curling, ice curling and bowling and he participated in those sports for many years. Clifford was able to stay in his own home right up to the time of his passing with help from his family, Home Care, his friend Ted Evernden, many handivan drivers (thank-you Don) and his coffee friends and the staff at the Grand Hotel. Your companionship and conversations were something he looked forward to every day. Predeceased by his parents Nils and Sigrid Nelson, sister Iona Glanfield, great nephew Dale Fawcett and many dear friends. Clifford will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his nephew Rick (Dianne) Glanfield of Rimbey, his nieces Susan (Fred) Fawcett of Grimshaw, Louise (Stan) Lawson of Brownfield, and Debbie (Murray) Kreiser of Bluffton, as well as many great nieces and nephews, extended relatives and friends.
A celebration of Clifford's life was held at the Hoadley Evangelical Church on Saturday, October 19, 2019, with Pastor Rick Abma officiating. Interment followed in the Hoadley Cemetery.
If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Hoadley Cemetery Fund c/o John Curtis RR 2 Bluffton, Alberta T0C 0M0.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
Wilson's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium