Passed away peacefully at The Village Of Riverside Glen on November 25, 2024, just shy of his 81st birthday. Always by his side, his beloved partner and best friend of 41 years, Lillian Parker (nee Howard). He will be sadly missed by his children, Trasi (Mario), Robert, Kelly and Teasha.
Cliff married when barely out of his teens then lost his wife Eileen Ann (Pilgrim) to cancer after 18 years together. Ever resourceful, Clifford forged a career for himself to support his young family. He spent most of his working life in the lumber industry. A decade working at Beaver Lumber transferred his family to many small communities throughout Southern Ontario. He then spent 20 years at Canfor, winning several sales awards over the years before a restructuring merger forced him to seek new employment at 50 years of age. Cliff, then pivoted into entrepreneurship. He helped Lillian set up a cleaning business, Dust Busters, and opened his own pet supply store, The Pet Pantry, which he ran without more than a few days off over 20 years. Cliff’s resilient nature was indicative in his ability to build several custom homes over the course of his career in Port Dover, Fergus and Guelph. When big box pet supply stores forced the closure of his shop, he returned to his lumber roots and worked in the warehouse at Rona for several years before finally retiring.
Cliff was born and raised in Northern Ontario before moving to Guelph. It was during his childhood in New Liskard that his passion for hockey was cultivated. Cliff was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Sabres. He coached novice hockey for years and played pick-up hockey himself until well into his 60s. In true Canadian form, Cliff loved his “Timmies”. He also enjoyed shopping trips to Lockport, NY and often served as “ladies weekend” chauffeur on similar trips for Lillian and her friends.
Cliff will be sadly missed by his sister, Helen McCrory and his brother Ken, (Betty). He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Edith (Gilham) and his siblings George (Susan), Carol and Chuck (Wannie). Cliff was very proud of his grandchildren, Kayla, Julia, Alyssa, and Nicholas, who, with their entire family, will miss his cheeky sense of humour and watching him laugh at his own jokes.
Special thanks to the caring staff at the Village Of Riverside Glen.
A private, family internment is planned.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Clifford B. Jemmett in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.