1927 – 2016
Wilford “Jess” Clough, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away suddenly at the Rimbey Hospital on Saturday November 26, 2016, at the age of 89. Jess was born in Revelstoke, BC, on November 14, 1927, where he was raised and worked in the logging industry (starting with a skid horse), BC Forest service, B.C. Department of Highways road crew and as Maintenance Foreman for the school board.
Beatrice moved from Saskatchewan to Revelstoke in 1948 where she met Jess and they were married on September 24, 1949. The family moved to the Gimlet area on October 31, 1972, and with the help of the Lawton Brothers the cow/calf business, along with a few milk cows for cream, was started. Jess’s time was spent caring for his cattle, operating his team of draft horses, for both pleasure and farm chores, and cutting wood. The farm’s sawmill was ever in use to not only meet the needs of the farm but also provide lumber for sale in which Jess and Jack Leslie did in tandem for many years.
In 1999 semi-retirement saw the sale of the cattle but caring for and driving his team of horses and splitting firewood became his daily passion. October 2016 saw the move from farm to the Rimbey Manor which was fast becoming a comfortable way of life as a recent comment was “I don’t know about you but I don’t have any snow to shovel today.”
Jess and Bea were very involved in the Gimlet Community and were regulars at square dancing and bowling. Jess was an active member with the Rocky R.E.A (formerly Lockhart Rural Electrification) for 21 years until his retirement in 2005 and active member of the Rural Crime Watch for 9 years. Jess and Bea enjoyed some travel but both would always “Rather Be Home”. The farm has always been an enjoyable way of life for the Clough family.
Jess is predeceased by his father Wilf (1984), mother Vic (1989), brother George (1962), and sister Maybelle Wright (1993).
He is survived by his Wife Bea of 67 years, son Dave (Denise) of Rimbey, daughter Judy (Lawrence) Carlson of Red Deer, and son Dwayne of Bejing, China. Grandchildren Luke (Theresa, Bayley and Cyanna Jamieson) Clough, Steve (Trisha) Clough, Paul (Keri Adkins) Carlson of Edmonton, Carl (Josie) Carlson of Red Deer and a special Great-Granddaughter Madalynn Clough that always put a sparkle in his eye every day. Also Ruby, his trusty mare, who was his companion on the trails.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday December 9, 2016, at 2 pm at the Leslieville Community Centre.
If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Rimbey Parkland Manor PO Box 740 Rimbey AB T0C 2J0. Expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca.
Wilson’s Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in charge of arrangements.
