Clifton Chester Abrahamson

Clifton was born in the great depression to Wilhelm and Edith (Larson) Abrahamson. He died in a global pandemic and never had a lot of this world’s wealth or ease in between… yet Dad repeatedly spoke of having a good life. Though not a great fan of school, he was a lifelong learner who could do most anything that he put his hand to. His early work as itinerant farm hand lost its appeal when that feisty young neighbour girl Sylvia Rae How caught his eye, and from then on, all tasks revolved around raising his expanding family on that stony section of poplar bush that we called the Rocking C Ranch. Operating, riding, repairing, building, trapping, contracting- Dad usually had some side hustle on the go in a desperate effort to keep his farm and his family thriving and intact. A wide variety of animals, pastimes, toys, and family sports were encouraged by him along with good old-fashioned sweat equity. Even though we kids tested his patience past the breaking point more than once or twice, he was always able to see beyond our failure and believe great things for our future.    

Described once as hopelessly optimistic, he seemed to see potential in everything. That meant there was always plenty of projects awaiting him, even to the point that his shop became almost inaccessible. It also meant that there was always room in his life for more people. Though our immediate family was large, there was always room for more. Extended family, large groups of neighbours, young people, and even complete strangers, were always welcomed and made to feel important and well fed by Mum and Dad.         

As a young father, he was introduced to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the son of God, and that became a defining part of who he was and what he felt was most important for his family. Weaving together his faith, his family and his farm became a lifelong passion that guided so many decisions that were based on people, not profitability. When he and Mum decided that keeping the farm in the family was more valuable than maximizing profitability, it was a natural progression of so many significant life choices!          

Asked recently by his eldest grandson about regrets in his life, his response was “If I had my life to live over, I’d just do the same thing all over again.” In recent years, and especially since his brush with death in September of 2018, his songs and his words have been particularly focused on his great desire that his family and friends not miss out on being in heaven with him one day.          

Clifton was predeceased by all but one of his siblings, his son-in law Ger, and his grandson Jarred. Dad is sorely missed by his wife of 62 1/2 years, as well as the large tribe over which he remains the patriarch. This includes 11 biological children as well as numerous foster children and several others who considered him Dad. It also includes 51 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A full list can be found on the Swan Valley Funeral Services website.      

His ready smile, laugh, and welcoming handshake will also be missed by his brother, his extended family, his church family, and his community.  He died a rich man, and each of us is richer for knowing him.

A private family funeral service and interment was held with Pastor Ferlin Abrahamson officiating. Service will be live streamed on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeS_MWJigNE  or at cliftona.weebly.com

If friends so desire, donations in Clifton’s memory may be made to a Bible camp of one’s choice.

The Abrahamson Family

BRENDA (Ron) Stickel; AUSTIN (Jacqueline)- Eve, and Gunner; LISA (TJ) Hiebert -Tori, Jake and Jett.

FERLIN (Elizabeth); BETHANY (Vlad) Matejka- Milo, Willa, Sev; JEFF

LAUREL (Tim) Schroder; RYLAN (Alyssa), JESSE (Ana)- Patrick, Lovely, Marley, and Byron; JOANNA

DEBBIE (Don) Groening; ASHLEY Janzen, MELODIE (Cody) van Dijk- Jediah and Beau; KRISTEN Janzen, JANESSA Janzen, JESSICA Janzen

DARRELL (Kelsie); AARON (Ana), WYNNE (Preston) van Ramshorst, ANIKA

BONI (Wade) Schiltroth; DYLAN, SYDNEY (Mathew) Reynolds, NATHAN, Ellen, Caralynn

ROD (Abigail); SHARMYN, MYLES, COLTEN, ZANE

ROBIN (Scott) Dick; BROOK-LYNN, DAWSON, EASTON

KARLA (Ken) Reader; WYATT (Rhianna), LEVI (Justyna), JOSHUA, CALEB, Alexander

LANA (Vern) Knutson; OLIVIA, REUBEN, RACHEL, EMILIE, FINN

CHAD (Natalie); TYSON, AZARIA, JAYCE

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clifton Chester Abrahamson, please visit our floral store.