Obituary of Clifford Dobson

DOBSON " It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Clifford (Dobbie) Dobson, loving father, grandfather and companion, on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at the Regina General Hospital. Cliff was predeceased by wife Evelyn in 1993, his parents Arthur and Esther, and brothers Edmond, Don, Lorne, Fred, and sister Muriel. Cliff is survived by his daughters Karen (Brian), and Kim (Brian) and grandchildren Derek (Kristin) and Erin; brother Horace and sister Evelyn. Cliff was born in Dysart, SK. on April 26, 1926. Cliff was a graduate of the famous hockey circuit in Regina called the Parks League, progressing to the junior ranks with the Regina Abbots in 1942-44. In 1944 Cliff joined so many other Canadian lads in wearing the blue serge of the Navy. During training in Eastern Canada, Cliff played some hockey for Cornwallis in a Service league in Halifax, also playing for his ship's team, HMCS Ettrick, while serving in the North Atlantic. Following his discharge, Dobbie continued his hockey career with the Regina Commandos in the Western Canada Junior League before attending the training camp of the New York Rangers in 1946. After a short spell at camp, Dobbie was sent to the Regina Caps of the Western Canada Hockey League as spare goal tender for Emile Francis. Dobbie returned East in 1948 to play football for Oshawa in an Eastern league. While he was there, Cliff received a wire to report to the Valleyfield Braves in the Quebec Sr. league, coached by Toe Blake. During this time, Cliff met and married Evelyn Poland in 1949. Cliff gave up the hockey rinks to settle down and raise a family, and embarked on a thirty seven year career with Air Canada, retiring as Airport Manager for Air Canada in Regina at the age of 63. Cliff loved his career at Air Canada, the people he worked with, and the opportunities to travel. The Clearwater, Florida area held a special appeal for Cliff. The warm weather, ocean, and the golf amenities equated to a "little slice of heaven" as he was able to enjoy his lifelong passion of golf. It was in Florida that he met Pat Matteson who has been his companion for the last five years. Cliff had great affection for Pat and her daughters, Barb, Deb, and granddaughter Chantal. His interests also included cheering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Blue Jays and any Canadian-based hockey team. He enjoyed socializing with family and friends, whatever the occasion. Cliff possessed a sense of humor and was a remarkably kind, loving, patient and giving person who found satisfaction in lifes simple pleasures. We will miss you Dobbie. We would like to thank Dr. Elliott and the staff the Regina General Hospital. A private family interment will be held in Regina Memorial Gardens. Flowers most gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Cliff's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 " 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon S7K 2H8. An on-line book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com.