Passed away peacefully in his 91
st year with his children Sally-Anne (late, John) Dooman and Michael (Marhee) Clifton by his side at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on the evening of March 8, 2019. Predeceased by his wife Karen Kohler, former wife Dorothy Bradbury, siblings Ted, Doris and Lily and nephew Michael Elson. Sadly missed by grandchildren and great grandchildren, Kristen (Gord) Laughton (Elizabeth, Anna, Sophie & Thomas), Jamie Sebastian, David Clifton, Ben Siapas, Hannah (Miguel Contreras) Clifton (Rachel, Mara, Ariel & Diana) and his loving cat, Chrissy. Also missed by other relatives, in particular Sue Hill (niece). Special thanks to Al’s “helper and very good friend,” Paula Walsh. Escaping the Blitz as a child, Al’s formative years were spent in Rhodesia, a place he considered home for the rest of his life. After reuniting with his family in England at 21 years old, he married and emigrated to Canada, settling in Sarnia. Al was a founding member of the Sarnia Saints Rugby Club and a long-distance runner. He was an award-winning actor in the Sarnia Little Theatre and an avid member of Polymer Glee Club. He worked over 30 years for Dow Chemical in Sarnia and Toronto, and later founded the Karen Clifton Agency with his wife. Al continued to act in amateur theatre and in minor movie roles, being most proud of his scene as a street vendor with Gwyneth Paltrow in
Moonlight and Valentino. Al moved to Collingwood with Karen in 2003, and continued to act in community theatrical events. In 2010 he published
From Cockney to Colonial, a biographic reflection on his years growing up in Africa, written specially for his grandchildren. Al spent his latter years writing and compiling poetry. He greatly appreciated the many people, including neighbours, nurses, Dr. Lane and others who cared for and spent time with him and Chrissy over the years since his wife, Karen, passed away. A memorial open house will take place at Fawcett Funeral Home – Collingwood Chapel on Thursday, March 14, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a toast to Al at Huron Club between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital or the Georgian Triangle Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.
