Obituary of Richard John Cliffe

Cliffe: Richard John

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Richard John Cliffe announce his passing at Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque on Saturday November 16, 2019 in his 83rd year. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Annastasia Cliffe (Tobin) and cherished father of Theresa (Mike McInnis), Julie (Grant Robertson) and Ben Cliffe (Konnie Taylor). He adored his grandchildren Taylor (Sara Bastianelli) and Meaghan Robertson, Samantha and Ryan Cliffe. As well he was a great Canadian dad to Alesia Tsiuzikova of Chaussy, Belarus. He was predeceased by his parents O’Gorman and Veronica Cliffe (Deir). He was a loved brother-in-law of the Tobin clan, Margaret, Aileen (deceased), Agnes (deceased), Edward, Geraldine and Evelyn as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Richard studied Architectural Technology at Ryerson in Toronto graduating in 1962. He built his career in Kingston and Gananoque and formed a family business (C R Builders) in 1995 when he began designing and building homes and cottages. Richard was a community minded native, giving and supporting wherever and whenever possible. He sat on the Gananoque Town Council for two terms as a PUC Commissioner, a member of Lions International, St. John Catholic Church Parishioner and Finance Committee as well as a member of the Gananoque Wheels of Care etc. One of his greatest passions was the St. Lawrence River, where he enjoyed all his summers on Tremont Island watching his children and grandchildren from sand pail days to adulthood and beyond. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the dedicated and companionate care that he received from all at the Carveth Care Centre over the past 2 years while he struggled with Parkinson’s disease. Friends will be received at the Tompkins Funeral Home on Friday November 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm with a Funeral Mass being celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Stone St. Saturday November 23 at 1:00 pm. Internment will take place in St. John’s cemetery at a later date. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church’s Restoration Fund, would be appreciated by the family.