Obituary for Clifford Kolson
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CLIFFORD KOLSON
On January 2, Cliff was called home to paradise by his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Cliff passed peacefully at home with his wife at his side, after living with ALS for the last four years. He will be missed immensely by his loving wife of 40 years, Val; daughters Andrea (Glenn) and Tracy (Roberto); grandchildren Santiago, Isaac, Micah, Adelina, and Ivy; brothers Dave (Gisèle) and Dan (Gayle); Val’s siblings, Joanne (Tim), Michelle (Grant), and Mike (Lisa); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Cliff was a man of great faith, and he wanted each and every one of you to know the unconditional love of God as he did. Jesus lived for you, He died for you, and He was resurrected for you. God’s amazing grace is for everyone, and nothing you do or don’t do can take it away if you believe in Jesus and His promise of eternal life. Knowing this brought Cliff great comfort and peace throughout his life, following his diagnosis, and up until he took his final breath.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9
Cliff grew up in a loving family, with his mom (Eleanora), dad (Edward), and his two younger brothers. Cliff created a wonderful family of his own, starting when he met his beautiful wife Val at university and marrying her a few years later in 1978. The family grew when his daughters were born. They were his absolute pride and joy. Much later, two sons-in-law and five grandchildren were added. Sunday family dinners became a staple in Cliff’s life the last few years and were a highlight of everyone’s week.
Cliff always worked hard at everything he did. He loved going to work every day and had his illness not interfered, he may never have retired! Cliff spent the majority of his career at Maxim Truck and Trailer, as the Executive Vice President, a job he absolutely loved and was extremely good at. Cliff was so very proud of the company that he had a hand in building.
Throughout his life, Cliff always enjoyed sports, including hockey, baseball, squash, racquetball, golf, skiing, and water sports. He also looked forward to his annual fishing and hunting trips with friends and colleagues. He loved to travel and was fortunate enough to be able to do a lot of travelling with Val, the kids, and many great friends over the years. In the last six years, what Cliff loved most was spending time with his grandchildren – playing with them, teasing them, getting them in trouble, and watching them play, grow up, and develop personalities of their own.
The lake was one of Cliff’s absolute favourite places, starting at Lac Lu with his parents and then Pinawa Bay with Val and the girls. Spending time at the cabin, either working or playing with people he loved – boating, tubing, water skiing, golfing, fishing, snowmobiling, bonfires, card games, and so much more – was something that he always looked forward to. In the last few years, seeing his grandkids out at the lake doing all those same things brought him so much joy.
Val and the girls would like to thank Cliff’s excellent caregivers, Justina, Genesis, Joney, Heidi, and Pat, as they cared for him and grew to be a part of the family. Special thanks also to Carol Scott, Cliff’s community occupational therapist, and his family physician, Dr. Shawn Thomas. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the kind and gentle care you provided to our husband and dad. Thank you also to the ALS Society of Manitoba, the ALS / Motor Neuron Disease Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre, and the palliative care team who allowed Cliff to remain at home and remain as independent (in the early years) and comfortable (in the later years) as possible. Thank you also to the many family, friends, and colleagues who supported Cliff and Val with visits, meals, flowers, phone/FaceTime calls, and of course prayers. Many thanks to Pastor Brad and Pastor Glenn for their continued spiritual guidance.
The diagnosis of ALS took us all by surprise, and was never something that we thought we would have to navigate. But thanks to his unwavering faith, Cliff faced the challenge head on, with dignity, humility, and strength. We will miss him more than words can express, but are comforted knowing that he is at peace and that his earthly struggle is over.
A memorial service will take place at 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Peace Lutheran Church, 350 Gilmore Avenue. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund (350 Gilmore Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2G 2B7), Siloam Mission (300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1M3), or the ALS Society of Manitoba (2A – 1717 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0H2).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clifford Kolson October 28 1954 –
January 2 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba