Obituary of Clifford Levern Milne

Clifford Levern Milne December 16 – 1913 – March 17, 2016-03-18 After a life lived with enthusiasm and vigour for over 102 years, Clifford Milne passed away peacefully at the Maidstone Health Complex. In 1916, Clifford emigrated with his parents Frank and Grace, and 3 older siblings from North Dakota to a homestead in the Burke district near Lashburn. The family moved from that homestead in 1923 to take over the butcher shop in Lashburn. Clifford’s first career was as a teacher in one-room school houses during the Great Depression. Upon returning from army service in England after WWII, he took over the butcher business. In 1950, that business was expanded to become Milne’s Locker Plant, with a smoking and curing business that earned Clifford many prizes for his bacon, ham and sausages. By his side in all his endeavours was his wife Rhoda May Cressman, who he married in 1941. Clifford worked hard but found time to enjoy and contribute to the community of Lashburn, especially though the Legion and the Lashburn Band. In the early ‘70s Cliff and Rhoda’s ownership of the Greig Lake Store and cabins in the Meadow Lake Park were another time of hard work but good times for the whole family. Through their 71 years of marriage, Cliff and Rhoda made many friends and enjoyed socializing over cards, music, fine food and conversation. As a master of witty puns, jokes and stories, Cliff loved making people laugh. During their years at Tighnduin Home, Cliff added cook and writer to his list of accomplishments. In his 90’s he wrote a novella based on the life of a Lashburn old timer, as well as a memoir that he was proud to hand out at his 100th birthday. He took great pride in his family and took an active interest in all their activities. Clifford’s gift for playing musical instruments was his lifelong joy. He began playing for dances in the ‘30s to supplement his $37.50 per month teacher’s salary. In his memoirs he recalls how he once walked five miles across the prairies carrying his saxophone to play for a dance: “Not for the $3.00, which we split four ways, but for the pure enjoyment of playing with those talented musicians.” After over 50 years of playing for dances, Clifford continued to play and record music for the enjoyment of himself and others and was still looking forward to “gigs” on his keyboard at Pine Island Lodge when he was 102. He is survived by his children: Joan Adair of Saskatoon, Jean Thompson of Lashburn and Bill Milne of Turtle Lake; grandchildren Robin Adair (Lindy Pelletier), Aaron Adair (Jenn Hamon-Adair), Kylie (Jay) Robb, Ivy (Jason) Dusanko, Jon (Dana) Milne, and Amber (Jordan) Macnab; as well as greatgrandchildren Kael and Carsen Adair, Lucas, Liam and Abby Milne, Jaxon, Ethan and Cody Dusanko, Sadie and Libby Robb and Munroe and Miller Macnab. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Lamb, and sisters-in-law, Ruth Nesbitt and Rose Cressman. The family is forever grateful for the kindness and excellent care given to Cliff during his stay in Pine Island Lodge. He had many tales to tell of his fun interactions with staff. The special outings, activities, and friendships with staff over the years—along with the good food—all made his last years good years. At his request, a family graveside memorial will be held on July 8, the anniversary of the day he and Rhoda were married. Memorial donations may be made to Pine Island Lodge, Box 160, Maidstone, Sask. S0M 1M0