Clifford "Kip" Walter Steeden

NOTICE OF SERVICE

Celebrating the Wonderful Life of Clifford "Kip" Steeden

Memorial Service

Omega Funeral Home

Thursday, August 19th, 2021

1:00 p.m.

Lunch served in the Magnolia Room at Omega Funeral Home

Interment to follow the lunch at Evergreen Memorial Gardens

Clifford “Kip” Walter Steeden

     It is with great sadness that the family of Clifford (Kip) Walter Steeden announce his passing on Friday, June 25, 2021 at the age of 99 years.    
      Kip - as everyone new him - was born on February 5, 1922 - in Brandon, Manitoba. He lived in Brandon until 1936 when he moved to Portage and completed his education at PCI.

     He was employed as an Aircraft Engineer at CFB Southport, CFB Assiniboine and the Virden Air Base, working on the storied de Havilland Tiger Moth trainer. He was a member of the Canadian Army and after his service moved to Portage la Prairie where he worked as a mechanic for many years. Kip then became employed at Canada Post - retiring after 22 years in 1983.

     Following retirement he was able to become even more active in the Portage community - belonging to Portage Golf Club, Portage Curling Club, and the Masters Curling Club - holding executive positions throughout the years.

     There was never a dull moment each morning at the curling club when “The Senate” (his curling and golfing buddies) would solve the world problems over a cup of coffee !!!
Golfing, curling , hunting and fishing - as well as his association with the High Bluff Hunting Lodge gave him many years of enjoyment, fun and laughter.  A highlight of his life was his Master Angler’s Award for his trophy pickerel.

     He was on two winning Provincial Senior’s Championship curling teams.  One with the Portage Seniors and the other with the Royal Canadian Legion.  Kip was one of Canada’s oldest surviving wartime veterans.  He was the oldest and longest serving member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65.  In 2019 he was presented with his 65 year membership medal.

    Kip and Audrey spent many years volunteering in the community.  After she passed in 1975 he continued to volunteer on his own.  From 1945 until 1975 they fostered over 400 babies and 60 teens and having as many as 13 children in the home at one time.

     He had a marvellous sense of humour, enjoyed having company and visiting others.  It was a laugh a minute to golf with him and his buddies especially when they were in their 80’s and 90’s.  He loved to hear or tell  a good joke.  The Jets, The Bombers and the Blue Jays have lost their biggest fan.

     Kip is survived by two daughters - Dianne (Romeo)Nadeau and Beverly (Ian) Robertson - and two sons - Terry, Gerald; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Also sister Irene Ross, brother Jim , sisters-in law Jean Steeden, Beverley Chaboyer and Sheila (Harvey)Fraser. He also had a special place in his heart for his numerous nieces and nephews.

     He is pre-deceased by his wife - Audrey, son Danny, parents  Ernest and Edna Steeden, in-laws Gordon and Pearl Webb, brothers Ken, Ernest and Orville ,brothers-in-laws  Ken Ross , Ralph (Jean) Webb, Bert Vallance , Bryan Chaboyer, sisters-in-law  Edythe (Allan) Preston, Donna (Ernie) Seavers, and Gwen Steeden.   He was also pre-deceased by his very special friend - Isabel Pond.

     There will be a Come & Go Visitation on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. at Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Rd. S, Portage la Prairie, MB.   Due to covid restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

     The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Douglas Campbell Lodge, Herman Prior Center, Portage Legion – Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65, Service for Seniors, Daughter on Call and the many organizations that have given assistance over the years.  Special thanks to Dr. Omichinski for his years of exceptional care of our father.

     As a family we will be forever grateful for having him in our lives.  He was a decent person, he cared for others, and he hoped that he left this world a little bit better for having been here.  Thank you Dad.

     In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian War Amps, 1 Maybrook Drive, Scarborough, ON  M1V 5K9 or to a charity of one’s choice.

      Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com

 Omega Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

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