John Francis Clifford
April 15, 1937 - August 19, 2025
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Michelle or Douglas for details and to RSVP.
April 15, 1937- August 19, 2025. Surrounded by family at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, at the age of 88 years. Son of the late James and Annie Clifford. Beloved husband of the late Heather Clifford (nee Baycroft). Loving father of Michelle (Michael) and Douglas (Lusill). Proud grandfather of Mikaela, Alexander, Liam, and Dean. Dear brother of Rose (Gilbert) and Linda (Erv), and predeceased by siblings Mary (Nick), Joseph (Georgina, Shirley), and Morris. Remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, colleagues and furry grandbabies (beloved pets).
John grew up in Tottenham, where he met and fell in love with Heather, a girl from Beeton. He spent much of his life travelling across Ontario as a long-haul transport and ready-mix cement truck driver. John cherished his family deeply, and together they enjoyed many trips to Florida, time spent waterskiing on Lake Simcoe or boating on Georgian Bay, and summers camping in Wasaga Beach. He also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and the freedom of the open road.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Michelle or Douglas for details and to RSVP. If desired, donations in John’s memory may be made to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Todd Colwell
Posted on: Thursday, September 11, 2025Good morning Michelle…
I just wanted to send you a message to say how sorry I am to hear about your Dad😞
Johnny Mitchell let me know and it really saddens me to hear this news…
When I think about John, I will always remember the times at Klondike for sure…his Gold Wing…Export Ale beer…and all the great conversations we had.
Your folks always loved us crazy kids❤️
Truly the greatest parents around, as your campsite would always be the ‘the place to go’😊
The movie nights where we would all set up our lawn chairs is such a great memory.
Your Dad always had time for guys like me, Johnny Mitchell, Terry, Glennie, Cooper…the list goes on.
I’ll never forget the smile he had whenever he saw us kids. He was a strong man who loved his family and those around him.
Please let Mike and your brother know that we are thinking of all of you.
It’s never easy in times like this but I’m sure you can take comfort in knowing your Dad is with your beautiful Mom (who I also miss dearly) now…
Two very special people that chose you and Doug to make up an incredible family …
Again…I’m really sorry to hear about John🥲
Talk soon
🤗❤️
John Karen
Posted on: Thursday, September 11, 2025Sorry to hear about John 🙏🙏
He was a super guy always enjoyed talking with him.
Always smiling 🙂 I recall him being very entertaining when he had a few pops up at Klondike park .😉
It’s because of him I ride motorcycles today because he convinced me that short little guys can ride big bikes .
I remember John’s big Sarjeants cement truck pouring a new sidewalk at McDonald’s in Orillia which I was working at the time.
Karen & I send our condolences thinking of you take care ….
John & Heather are together again 🙏🙏
Maryke Helmer
Posted on: Saturday, October 4, 2025So sorry to hear about Mr. Clifford. My heart goes out to all the family and friends during this sad time❤️
A lot of my younger years were spent with Michelle and her family. They always made me feel welcome and safe. It’s funny how we remember these times like yesterday.
It’s not like we had any big heart to heart talks, but as a kid, you knew he was there if you needed him.
He took Michelle and I to early morning volleyball practice in high school…I’d meet them on the 25th before the sun even came up. I never heard him complaining.
Mr and Mrs Clifford are together now and that makes my heart happy.
Maryke