Left us peacefully at the age of 92 on July 29, 2015, following a brief, unexpected illness. Dearly loved husband of Mary Christine Evans, and loving father of sons David (Maria Bonanno), Peter (Janie Brennan) and Richard (Tamara Bernier), and grandchildren Meredith (9) and Owen (4). Born in 1922 and raised in Cardiff, Wales, Clifford studied at Richmond Theological College, London, England and was ordained a Minister of the Methodist Church of England in 1953. Clifford and Christine first met while he was at College, married in 1953, and after serving in pastorates in Halifax and Swindon, they brought their young family with two sons to Montreal in 1959.
Clifford joined the United Church of Canada and served the congregation of Queen Mary Road United Church as assistant Minister responsible for youth. In 1962 he was called to serve at City View United Church, Nepean, Ontario where Richard joined the family in 1964. Clifford also served as Chaplain to the Ottawa Welsh Society for several decades.
Devoted to professionalism and life-long learning, Clifford attended Carleton University part- time over many years, while also leading growth of the City View congregation and development of a new Church building. He graduated from Carleton with an Honours degree in Political Science and German.
Clifford was a voracious reader and student and during the mid-1970s he devoted himself to full time studies at the University of Western Ontario, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Library Science. After four years with federal government libraries, Clifford returned to work with the United Church in eastern Ontario at Williamstown and Martintown, and retired at 65 to Almonte, Ontario in 1988. Within weeks he began supporting the local United Church and was called on by the United Church of Canada to focus efforts on interim Ministry to assist congregations in transition across Eastern Ontario.
Finally retiring at age 75, he and Christine enjoyed many happy years in Almonte, before joining the Port Perry community in 2014. Greatly respected for his dedication, humour, and commitment to others, Clifford was a people person, loved by so many for his work, constant optimism and drive to take on new challenges and serve others.
Family and Friends will be received at the Low & Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry (905) 985-7331 on Saturday August 22, 2015 from 1 to 2 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Rev. Evans will be held in the chapel on Saturday August 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. If desired, donations in Clifford’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
