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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ASHTON, Clifford James - Our beloved father and “Chief”, Clifford James Ashton, 99 years old, peacefully passed away with family by his side on January 11, 2024 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Cliff was born in Montreal, Quebec to the late Clifford & Catherine (nee Quinn) Ashton. Cliff married the love of his life Mona on March 20, 1948 at St. Jude Church in Montreal, Quebec. Cliff grew up in Montreal (Little Burgundy) and was later posted to Halifax, where he lived in Shannon Park and Wallis Heights for many years before buying a house with Mona and settling in Eastern Passage for the remainder of his life. He was a lifelong Montreal Canadians fan, even though he “knew the Edmonton Oilers were better.”
Cliff enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in June 1942 and served Canada proudly for 32 years until 1974. Following that he was employed with DND at CFB Halifax until his retirement. Over the years, Cliff was a member with the Philae Shriners, Royal Canadian Legion Somme Branch 31, Royal Order of Jesters and Royal Canadian Naval Association. He received various opportunities to travel the world; with the RCN, as a member of various clubs, and with his daughter Sandra and son-in-law Dave. His last trip was as a WWII Veteran to Dieppe, France, with Dave in August 2017 for the 75th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. Cliff was also an avid reader of military books…you should have seen his collection! He also read daily newspapers. The more he had to read the better. Even in his final days he would sit with a newspaper in his hands and just hold onto it.
He will be deeply missed by daughters Cathy, Judy and Janet and son Cliff. He was “Chief” to his fifteen grandchildren Stephan, Shai’na, Melanie, Matthew, Alissa, Carmen, Sarah, Trevor, James, Kyle, David, Bob, Lisa, Andrew, and Amanda, and to great-grandchildren Jack, Jada, Ashton T., Kaitlyn, Cameron, Landon, Gavin, Ashton F., Zack, Abby, Vincent, Nicholas, Calista, Spencer, Evan, Victoria, Trent, Audi, and one great-great-granddaughter Navi. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces, extended family, friends, and also his bonus daughter Greta and bonus grandchildren Brayden and Brody.
Cliff is predeceased by his wife Mona (nee Cameron), daughter Sandra and son Derek, sister Mona, brothers Arthur, Campbell, and Malcolm.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dartmouth General Hospital over the last 5 weeks. Cliff made sure to keep you on your toes for sure but we appreciate the compassion and love you showed him. Special thanks to Dr. Preston, as well as nurses Karen and Robyn.
A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 2-5pm at the Royal Canadian Naval Association Peregrine Branch, 3660 Commission Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is an open house style where people can come and go and enjoy a few stories along the way. Bring your stories or pictures to share!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peregrine Branch of the Royal Canadian Naval Association in memory of Clifford Ashton.
Cremation has taken place. Internment at a later date. (Dartmouth Funeral Home)
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