Francis (Frank) Shannon Clift
September 16, 1933 to February 5, 2020
Obituary
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed peacefully away, with his family by his side, at the age of 86.
He leaves his love, Joan whom he brought from Toronto 66 years ago. Together they built a business, raised a family, and enjoyed their time together here and in Bradenton, Florida. Frank leaves behind 5 children who each consider him their role model – Rick (Kathleen/Fitz), Anne (Jim Aylward), Denise (Bill Roberts), Elizabeth (Todd Taylor), and Shannon (Christa). His grandchildren Sarah Clift, Richard Clift, Fraser Clift, Alex Aylward, Daniel Aylward, Erin McLean, Nicky Prikhodko, Tori Roberts, Lauren Taylor, Jack Taylor, Will Clift, Braydon Clift, Hudson Clift will miss his kind heart and guidance. Poppy was so fortunate to have 5 beautiful great grandchildren Abbi, Jake, Isla, Sadie, and Jordie. Frank also leaves his sister Pats Childley, his sister-in-law Alice Clift, his nieces and nephews and many friends including his golf buddies. Predeceased by his brothers John, Tom, sister-in-law Rose and brother-in-law Walt Chidley.
What defined Frank the most was his love of and commitment to family, his drive and passion for business, and his vision to help better the community he lived in.
In 1953, Frank entered the family business which had started in Newfoundland in 1810. He saw the opportunity to bring medical supplies to healthcare in the province, thus embarking on a journey that remains TB Clift Ltd. today. His business savvy and dedication to customers earned him a place as President of the Canadian Surgical Trade Association. It also opened an opportunity for him to bring together his passion for business with his love of volunteering when he became Chair of the General Hospital Healthcare Foundation. Frank and his fundraising team brought the first MRI to Newfoundland during his tenure. He was President of the Lion’s Club, an active member of the Rotary Club, and consistently performed small acts of kindness in helping others.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s. Funeral services will be held at St. Teresa’s on Thursday, February 13th at 9:30 a.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the Health Care Foundation.
“To Thine Own Self Be True”
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on February 12, 2020
6 - 8 pm on February 12, 2020
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
9:30am, Thursday February 13th
St. Teresa's Parish
120 Mundy Pond Rd, St. John's
Aunt Joan, I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Frank’s passing.. My sincerest condolences to you and all your family. Thinking of you. Matthew Cairney
TO AUNT JOAN
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT UNCLE FRANK
HE WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL
SORRY I COULD NOT BE THERE IN YOUR
SORROW
LOVE YOU ALL
WITH ALL OUR PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES
JOHN AND CHRISTINE AND FAMILY
Liz, Todd and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of you dad Liz. Losing a parent is so difficult but the memories you have of him will always be with you.
Take care and God bless.
To Joan Clift and family.
I was profoundly saddened to learn of Frank’s passing.
We had many wonderful years together in Lionism with you both that are now cherished memories.
May the good Lord bless you all and surround you with his love in this, your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Cec Thorne
Fraser, Nicola and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time at the passing of your Grandfather.
I am the resurrection and the life saith The Lord.
Love Michael and Anthea.
To Joan and family,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of you at this sad time. Jeanette and I will deeply miss Frank. We have so many fond memories of our times together that we will always cherish. Frank left an indelible mark and I will truly miss my longtime friend.
With love,
Lloyd and Jeanette
So sorry to hear of Frank’s death he truly was a very kind man. My father spoke highly of Frank Clift my father was Charlie Knight. My deepest console to the Clift family. Rest in peace Mr. Clift
Liz, Todd, Lauren and Jack,
Thinking of you all as you prepare to say goodbye. Mrs. McKinnon was sad to hear of the loss of her longtime friend.
Sharon
Mrs Clift and family..Sorry to hear about Mr. Clifts passing .He was a kind and gentle man who my dad Charlie Knight admired greatly when he worked at TB Cift Ltd many years ago now.. Our brief encounters over the years we could see Franks family meant everything to him.. Keep his memories close to your hearts and they will help you get through your loss of your loved one.. Our deepest condolences Gerard and June McGuire (Knight)
I was so sorry to hear of Uncle frank’s passing. He was indeed a gentleman. Please know I am thinking of you during this very sad time. Much love, Martha (Cairney) and Peter March
Denise,so sorry to hear of your father’s death,Unfortunately I won’t be able to visit today as my driveway is blocked . if it is cleared tomorrow morning I will see you at Mass. Loving sympathy to you and your family.Beth Boulos
Denise & families,
We are very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Cherish the beautiful memories to help you through the days ahead. Sincere Sympathy
Liz ,Tod and the entire family .so sorry for your loss .hold onto the good memories for we are sure there are many .for this is what will get you through this sad time .may his soul rest in peace .take care .
Rick, Kathleen, Sarah, Richard, Fraser and extended family –
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father, father-in-law , grandfather and great grandfather.
Paul and I are currently out of town and unfortunately cannot be present at either the visitation or funeral.
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Please accept our deepest sympathy on passing of Mr. Clift. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dwight and Janice Brown
( formerly of Brown’s Store)
Mrs Clift , Denise and Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your husband , father and grandfather. Keep your memories close as they will guide you through your toughest days. Much love
Joan and Family, so sorry to here about the passing of Frank, he was a true gentleman and will be missed by all., we are out of town and unable to attend the services. RIP Frank. —- Brian and Joan Hickey
Denise, Bill, Joan and Family
Gail and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Take comfort in the fond memories that you have and can share.
Love Dave and Gail
Anne and Family,
Our deepest condolences to your family at this difficult time. Take comfort in your wonderful memories of your Dad.
From the Staff at Dillon Consulting Limited
Denise, Bill, and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. You are in our thought and prayers.
Love ya,
Moe & Bryan
Denise and family,
I regularly check the Telegram online to stay current on news in my beloved St. John’s. I was deeply saddened to see the passing of your beloved father. He was the definition of a true patriarch. As a young person growing up in the Gambier St and Blackall Place neighborhood, the closeness fostered by your parents was evident to me. I am thinking of you and your family as you both grieve and celebrate your dad.
RIP Mr. Clift.
Take care,
Gail
Anne and family, I am so sorry to hear about your father’s death. cherish those precious memories, they will always be with you.
Sincerely
Sheilagh ( O’Keefe) McQuinn
Anonymous is
Dear Joan I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s death. Please convey my sympathy to all of your family. Please take care of your self and know that I will keep you in my prayers.
Joan, we were so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. You & your family are in our prayers.
Rick and family
Thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. Please accept my heartfelt condolences of your father’s passing..
Dear Joan and Family
We are saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. Our
sincere sympathy
Max and Cloe
Dear Lisbeth,,
I was saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. I know how much you loved him. It was clear from the way you spoke about him with so much affection in your voice and always a smile on your face.
As we lose this amazing generation of folks, let us be reminded of the civility, kindness, respect and incredible work ethic they had. Their only goal to make life better for us than it was for them.
We will all miss the Franks of this world and you will miss your special one.
Joan & Family:
We’ll miss Frank too ; we’ll miss his pleasant smile and warm greeting , the many Golf Games and Country Club dinners in Peridia . May the Great Master of All guide you through this difficult time and may you find solace in the many pleasant memories of the past 66 Years.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Rollie & Bev
.
Rick, Fitz and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Thinking of you. Donna Rae
To the Clift family,
As director of purchasing at WMRH ,along with Seumas Gibbons, director of pharmacy, and Dennis Waterman ,director of finance, we send our regards. Not only did we do business with Frank ,we became friends and other than beating him in golf ,we never had any issues .
Frank not only sold to us ,he also guided us to perform our jobs better.
He will be missed.
Paul Seaward
Corner Brook
To Denise, Bill, Joan and family. We were sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. We enjoyed his hospitality a few times both in St. John’s and Florida. He was a great gentleman and a wonderful host. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Jerry and Danielle
To Pat and the Cliift family. We were sorry to learn of Frank’s passing Childhood friends in the days when the summers were spent in Topsail . Memories of good times. to cherish.
Please accept or sincere .sympathy.
Ray & Cap
We were. fiends from childhood in t
Joan and family,
Although we are far away please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Only last year we were here enjoying Florida,….golfing and socializing together……lots of good memories for sure.Frank was the ultimate gentleman.You two had a wonderful devotion to each other.
All the best,
Bart and Nicki Philpott
Liz, Todd and Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear pf the passing of Frank. As his banker in the mid-eighties, I recall many wonderful conversations with him and sometimes with his dad as well at their business premises. Frank was an astute and forward-looking individual who left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
Norm Pinhorn
Rick Kathleen My condolences
He was one of the most sincere,honest,and unselfish persons I met in all my days of being involved in health care. He made health care better, often at his own expense. A true gentleman
Rick and Family , sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing…….thoughts and prayers are with you at this time………….Bob French
Joan and family
Life is really funny and fickle isn’t it ? Last year we were together enjoying Christmas dinner and then a little more than a year later we mourn Frank’s passing . No more Monday golf and no more nights at the Club .
Let’s remember the good times .
Lloyd and Jean
Liz, Todd and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Condolences from Nova Scotia.
Rick, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Clift family. Frank will be remembered with respect.
Boyd
Liz, and family, our condolences on the death of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We remember Frank and Joan with great fondness and send our condolences to the family.
Marlene &Tim Cairney
To Joan and all family members. Please accept our sorrow on the passing of frank one of the most dedicated hard working people that I have known working in his fathers business from a young age he took nothing for granted and worked diligently from dusk to dawn 6 days a week sorry we can’t be there at this sad time but our thoughts are with you