Clifford Smith

Smith, Clifford Layton (1935-2016)

It is with great sadness that the family of Clifford Layton Smith announces his peaceful passing at Portage General District Hospital after a year-long battle with illness, on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at the age of 81 years.

Cliff will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Diana, married on March 5, 1960 and his children, Brenda (Emile) of Pickering Ont, Curtis (Lori) of Lorette MB and Scott (Jacquie) of Oakville MB.

Cliff will also be fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren, Rebecca, Kelsey, Tyson, Nicole, Kendall, Layton and Callum. He is also survived by his brother Dave (Carol) of Dauphin MB, his sisters Donna Waltbauer of Savona BC, Jacquie Dyck of Edmonton AB, Jean (Mike) Robinson of Regina SK and many nieces and nephews.

Cliff was born on Feb 25, 1935 and was raised on a farm in the RM of Dauphin, Durston District. He attended school in the Durston District, Whitmore, Henderson and McKenzie Collegiate. Cliff was never afraid of a hard-day’s work and had many careers over the years as a Poultry Inspector with Modern Hatchery, a Heavy Machinery Operator for Tordan Enterprises and Gordon Seeley and as a Driver Salesman for 20 years with the Dauphin Consumers Co-Op Agriculture department. After retirement in 1992 he continued to work summers at the Dauphin Co-op anhydrous ammonia plant and assisted many seniors with odd jobs, their snow removal and lawn work.

Cliff and Diana bought a farm in May 1973 on Hwy 20 near the Dauphin Stoney Point Beach corner where they lived for 26 years and raised their 3 children. There Cliff did mixed farming with crops, cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys and Standardbred horses. They moved to Dunfield Ave in the town of Dauphin in 1999 and then settled in Portage in 2007.

Cliff was an active member of his community where he volunteered many services to the Lions Club, the Parkland Harness Races preparing the track for the horse races and to the 3D Saddle club where he was president for many years. In the Saddle Club, he worked to build and prepare the ring for horse shows, was a time keeper and announcer.  As a descendent of the original Dauphin Settlors he was a member of the Dauphin Pioneer Association.

Cliff enjoyed many hobbies such as: Raising, breaking and training standard race horses where many of his horses raced at Assiniboine downs and around Manitoba. Restoring old cars where he specialized in Ramblers. Wood working where he built many children’s table and chair sets, doll cribs and cradles, coat racks, sandboxes and dog houses for the grand children’s pets, tack boxes and buggies for ponies.  He had a love for sports, especially hockey, was a die-hard maple leaf fan and had a great love for horses.  He was a father & grandpa who shared his enthusiasm and actively participated in his children’s and grandchildren’s interests and passions.

Cliff is known for his determination and was always making plans for his next project. His enthusiasm and charisma would always fill the room.  He will be truly missed.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com