Jack Clipperton
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John (Jack) Manford Clipperton, beloved husband, father, and friend to all whose lives he touched, on September 6, 2023. Jack left us peacefully from Cambridge Manor in Calgary, Alberta. He was 95 years old.
Jack was born July 15, 1928 to Ruby and Cedric Clipperton at the Macklin, Saskatchewan Hospital. He was the second youngest of the family of eleven children.
Jack attended school in Hayter where his father Cedric was the Station Master. He later attended boarding school at Camrose Lutheran College. Jack met the love of his life, Jean Theaker in Provost, Alberta. They were married in 1953. They lived in Banff briefly before moving to Calgary, Alberta where they stayed until retirement. While in Calgary they lovingly raised their five children, Gerald (JoAnne), Linda (Anthony van Son), Ronald, Lori (Tom Buckie) and Carol (Richard Hood).
He had a variety of interests. He was actively involved with the Woodcliff United Church, serving on many committees along with singing in the choir and volunteering with the founding members of ARBI (The Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured). Jack loved to hike, ski, fish, canoe, travel and learn about Canadian History. Many a summer was spent driving to a lake with Jean and five kids crammed into the car.
Jack earned a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a schoolteacher and principal in Calgary for 37 years. In 1985 Jack and Jean retired. Their love of the mountains had them moving to Canmore, Alberta where they built their dream home. Jack continued to work part time as a consultant for Brewster transport, allowing him to enjoy the Rockies. He retired from Brewster at the age of 70.
Jack and Jean’s retirement years were spent travelling the world extensively and involved with many volunteer activities. These included working as docents for McDougall Church in Morley, hosting visitors at the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks in Canmore and assisting with social events at the Canmore Seniors Association. Jean and Jack were actively involved in their Church community of Ralph Connor Memorial Church.
He will be forever in the hearts of his nine grandchildren: Jennifer van Son, Brendan van Son, Curtis van Son, Simon Clipperton, Ashley Rourke, Ryan Hood, Hannah Buckie, Matthew Hood, Joel Buckie. There are four great grandchildren: Sloane and Jack Bell, William van Son and Kayce Rourke.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and siblings; Madeline Wiginton, Barbara Weir, Marjorie Smith, Norman Clipperton, William Clipperton, Mary Shorten, Robert Clipperton, Raymond Clipperton, Woodrow Clipperton and Laura Clipperton as well as grandson, Jonah Buckie, and great grandson, Anthony van Son and his best friend (wife) Jean.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Cambridge Manor for providing compassionate care to Jack during the past two years. There will be a short graveside service at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Canmore Cemetery and Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm at the Ralph Connor Memorial United Church on Main Street in Canmore, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to a charity of choice.
