Clinton Vernon Sollows
Clinton Vernon Sollows was born in Yarmouth on September 16, 1928, son of Edwin Hammond and Ida Beula (Graves) Sollows and peacefully left us on March 21, 2020, at Villa St. Joseph du Lac, Dayton.
Following his high school education, he took a course in cooking at vocational school, then assisted his mother in running Sollows’ Lodge at 472-474 Main Street.
On September 2, 1957, he married Elizabeth MacKenna at a memorable ceremony at «The Anchorage» (present-day Churchill Mansion) in Darlings Lake.
Clinton shortly thereafter served as cook on the RCMP vessel Irvine, where he became famous as «Little Dab.» His career on the boats was cut short by injuries from an accident on the road home in the early ’60s. So, it was back to helping his mother («The Sarge») and Betty run Sollows Lodge, until the lodge closed in 1990.
Clint was a long-time supporter of Zion Baptist Church, as a choir member and unofficially in various other good causes supported by the church, as appropriate.
In spite of complications from childhood polio and epilepsy, Clinton exemplified a strong work ethic and an appreciation for life. As a child, he was not expected to walk or talk. He would later explain that he learned to walk through swimming and to talk through singing. He had a keen interest in ships and a love for dogs and fishing. He maintained his mother’s gardens at 472 Main Street that filled most of an acre and will be remembered by any who happened to visit there. Clinton was rarely without his camera and, «Take a picture» was a frequent request. Clint’s acceptance of the aging process was exemplary and realistic. About a year before his move to Villa St. Joseph du Lac in 2013, he foresaw the need for a future move and accepted it without fuss. As other health issues bothered him subsequently, he continued to appreciate the care and attention he got and the various positive things he enjoyed.
Clinton was predeceased by his siblings Celia, Kenneth, Edwin and Steen as well as his wife of nearly 62 years, Betty. He is survived by nephews and nieces Eric (Cathy) Nelson, Derek (Sue) Sollows, Christine (Gary) Chase, Kenneth (Mary) Sollows, Roy (Anne Marie) Sollows, Alison (John) Astle, John (Nhung) Sollows, David (Judy) Sollows, Stephen (Janet) Sollows, and Celia (Rory) Sollows, and their various offspring and grandchildren.
Remains have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Crematorium. Due to current restrictions around gatherings, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Clinton can be made to the Villa St. Joseph du Lac or the SPCA. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the staff at the Villa St. Joseph du Lac for the outstanding care and compassion shown to Clinton and Betty in their final years together. Clinton’s feelings about his life at the Villa were summed up when he was being wheeled into his new accommodations. He said, «I’m in heaven; I’m living in heaven.» It is not easy to make clients feel that way at that stage in life. We will always remember your kindness.
Online condolences may be sent to Sweenysfh@eastlink.ca, or you may sign the guestbook online at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
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Saturday March 21st 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Clinton Vernon Sollows Saturday March 21st 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: YARMOUTH, Province: Nova Scotia