It is with deep sorrow that the Vaillant family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Clifford, at the age of 80 at the Regional Hospital on April 12, 2025. He was fortunate that in his last few days he was surrounded by the love of his wife, Wendy, and his four daughters in whom his love was absolute and unconditional.
Clifford was born and raised in Baird, on the family farm on Oliver Road with his parents Dona and Adele Vaillant and his twelve siblings: Alec, Ada, Helen, Doris, Leonard, Reginald, Agnes, Lorne, Lorraine, Orville, Patricia and Evelyn. It was on this family farm where he proudly raised his children and built a beautiful life for them. Cliff was an active member of St. Augustine's Parish, where his connection to the community was deep and his faith was forever present. He spent many summer days in the hay fields, gathering in his garage drinking cold beer afterwards, with the people who mattered most to him. His favorite nights were filled with watching his beloved Montreal Canadiens.
Family gatherings were common on the farm and from them countless friends and families developed long lasting memories. While he was justifiably proud of the beautiful work he did as a plasterer, and as a successful farmer, family was everything to Clifford and was at the center of his life.
Clifford’s gentle, quiet demeanour and quick wit left a lasting impression on anyone who met him. He enriched and beautified our lives. He treated his four sons-in-law like they were his own and in doing so formed bonds that could never be broken. His ultimate reward in life was his grandchildren and great grandchild as his smile stretched longest when he was with them. Each of them had a special and unique relationship with him and all will miss him dearly. He truly was the ultimate Papa.
Clifford will be lovingly remembered by Wendy, his wife of 57 years and their children: Lisa (Paul), Arlene (Paolo), Mary (Domenic) and Melinda (Jeffrey). His legacy lives on in his adored grandchildren: Daniel, Adrienne, Brett, Sarah and Emily and great grandson, Dexter.
The family would like to express their profound appreciation for the countless friends and family who provided support, love and kindness to Clifford throughout his daily life and during these last days. We are grateful for the caring and compassionate staff at the Walford Thunder Bay, Bayshore Home Health (especially Jimmy and Joe), Melissa Gernat, Father Rey Ronquillo and Cliff’s best friend Roger Yurick who has always been there for him. Additionally, during his last few challenging days, the guidance from Clifford’s grandson, Dr. Brett Caccamo was truly a blessing.
You are gone
but thank you
for all these soft, sweet things
you left behind
in our homes,
in our heads,
in our hearts.
Wendy, Lisa, Arlene, Mary, Melinda and families.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. As expressions of sympathy, donations in Clifford’s memory can be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfain.com
