Clinton Andrew Park, of Rainy River, Ont., passed away peacefully in his 108th year on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River.
He was born on March 26, 1904 at the family home in Rainy River to the late Elizabeth and Horace Park.
He had several siblings, Eva, Victor, Earl, and Gordon.
In 1926, at the age of 22, Clinton was hired on to the CNR. His starting wage was 30 cents per hour and after three years he got an increase of eight cents per hour!
For a number of years, Clinton worked in different departments of the CNR. He worked on the Section, in the shop as a machinist’s helper, and finally in the Bridge and Building Department.
He also bought a family farm and worked at the local dairy farm for his father-in-law, Harry Williscraft, where he delivered milk to many customers in town by horse and milk wagon.
In 1928, Mr. Park joined the Ionic Lodge No. 461 in Rainy River. He became Master of this fraternal organization and was active in his lodge. He was honoured and presented with a Fifty Year Past Master’s Jewel in 1986 and a certificate for his Masonic endeavours and service of 70 years in 2006.
On Oct. 10, 1933, Clinton was united in marriage to Doris Leilah Caroline Williscraft, and they had three children, Ken, Deanne, and Carolee. They celebrated their 77th anniversary on Oct. 10, 2010.
In 1969, Clinton retired from the railway and, after a bit of relaxation at home, became a willing volunteer at Knox United Church. He was a member of the Board of Stewards for many years, and volunteered for any work that had to be done in and around the building.
He believed in doing at least one good thing every day for someone else, and often could be seen shovelling sidewalks in the winter for many neighbours.
His “job” every day in his retirement was to get the mail for several families. He enjoyed visiting with the people he passed along the way.
Clinton was predeceased by his parents, Horace and Elizabeth; and all his siblings, Eva, Vic, Earl, and Gordon.
He will be sadly missed by his family, Ken (Doreen), Deanne (John) Soke, and Carolee (Rene) Hogue; and his 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate his long life will be held Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Knox United Church in Rainy River, with Rev. Peggy Mason officiating.
Interment will take place in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River.
If you desire, in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Knox United Church in Rainy River or the Rainy River Locum House Project c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www. northridgefuneralhome.com