The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Clarence Henry Bolton, age 76 years, of Flin Flon passed away peacefully Friday, December 3, 2004 at the Flin Flon Personal Care Home. Following is the eulogy from his three daughters. Dad, or "C.B." as he was known to most people, was born in the Shoal Lake area on April 23, 1928. He spent many of his formative years living with his Aunt Elva in Rossburn. From 1951-54 he served as a Sapper in the Army, stationed in Winnipeg and various locations in Europe. From there he moved to Dryden, Ontario where he worked at the pulp and paper mill. He married Helen Saskoley in September 1955 and the happy couple moved to Flin Flon. Oldest daughter Sharon was born not quite a year later, Susan was born one and a half years after that, with Marilyn arriving five years later. Dad soon settled into the typical mining town lifestyle, becoming actively involved in the curling and bowling scenes. He also enjoyed the odd moose hunting trip and spent many a vacation catching his limit of fish. All of us have fond memories of feasting ourselves on freshly caught fish fried in Mom's crispy pancake batter. Dad worked as a machinist at HBMS and retired in August 1987. His love for machinery and for fixing things resulted in a steady stream of wooden and mechanical apparatuses flowing into his basement workshop. Some never made it out! He was jack of many trades and was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what the job was. He contributed many hours to the local Legion branch, serving as president and house man. The variety of jobs he performed as house man resulted in the creation of the 'C.B. Locator'. Choosing a family Christmas tree, however, was never a strong point of Dad's. He spent many an hour surgically correcting bare spots by drilling holes in the tree trunk and sticking branches in them. As the official popcorn popper in the Bolton household, Dad usually managed to fill every bowl in the house for a family evening of Hockey Night in Canada. Many a Sunday breakfast included cold, leftover popcorn! Dad also loved newfangled gadgets and was a bit of a menace with his movie camera, much to the dismay of his then teenaged daughters. As the result of his army training, Dad was very capable at cooking, sewing and housekeeping. So much so that we grew up assuming all men were as talented in these areas. What a surprise! Dad's love of children became even more evident when he became a grandfather. His two granddaughters will fondly remember Grandpa Clarence's attention, his humour, and his generosity, as well as his penchant for stealing French fries off their dinner plates. And, speaking of humour, Dad loved practical jokes. Even after his stroke in 1992, Dad kept his sense of humour and continued to love a good laugh. The staff at the Flin Flon Personal Care Home where he lived for the past couple of years were frequently on the receiving end of his pranks. Dad will be remembered as a fastidious man who was forever straightening things in his home and insisting on things, including his attire, being 'just so'. Every mote of dust on the floor was in danger when 'C.B.' was around. We will miss you Dad, and we know that you will keep everyone on their toes up in heaven. Love always, Sharon, Susan and Marilyn Clarence is survived by his daughters Sharon Bolton (John Abel) of Edmonton, AB, Susan (Tony) Murphy of Saskatoon, SK, and Marilyn (Gary) Slough of Cambridge, ON; his grandchildren Brianna Slough and Morgan Murphy; his brothers and sisters Muriel (Ron) Lloyd of Winnipeg, Lawrence Bolton of Dryden, ON and Howard (Bette) Noa of Mission, BC; his step-mother Bessie and step-sisters Beverley and Joan. Clarence was predeceased by his wife Helen; his father Harry; his mother Anne; and brothers Arnold and Cyril. Funeral services for Clarence were held Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Dadson Funeral Home with Legion Padre John Kirschman officiating. Legion Rites were conducted by President Jack Rigby and Sgt. At Arms Don Zollen. Honourary pallbearers were Members of Legion Branch #73. Following the funeral service the Legion Ladies Auxiliary served a lunch at the Legion Hall. If friends so desire, tributes in Clarence Bolton's memory may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, c/o Christie's, 115 Main Street, Flin Flon, Manitoba. Dadson Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. 687-5821
