CLINTON WAIT

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CLINTON WAIT

June 14, 1938 – April 2, 2023

It is with heavy hearts, much love and gratitude for a life well lived, that we the family announce the passing of Clinton D. Wait (no, e) on April 2, 2023, at the age of 84, while residing at Concordia Place.

Clint will always be remembered by his two sons, Garry (Terrie Lynn) and Brian (Tammy), his grandchildren Brandi (Mark, Angela), Christopher (Jessica), Caitlin (Neil), Chelsea (Quinn), his great-grandchildren Natalie, Abigail, and Levi. And not to be forgotten and blessedly thanked, his best friend Patricia, who was always there for him, right to the end.

Clint was predeceased by his loving wife Marjorie in October of 2002 after her own battle with cancer. Also, by his mother Irene, who passed away while undergoing surgery, just prior to Clint and Marjorie’s marriage. Later, Clint’s only brother Jim passed away at the young age of 46. In the spring of 1990 Clint’s father Thomas passed away too.

Clint was born in Dauphin MB June 14, 1938, where he grew up on the family farm, tending to the cattle and horses. He never spoke much of his childhood days. We are sure he tried to block it out after two of the neighbour boys drowned in the nearby creek.

Clint left school and started a long, 46-year career at CN, he was maybe 16. His first paycheque was used to buy his mom a push mower. We assume that was her chore. Our mom told us he loved his mom very much.

Clint started dating Marjorie and soon, they announced they were to be wed. Shortly after, in the fall of 1961, Clint became a father himself, to Garry Clinton Wait. Six years later, another son, Brian Trent Wait arrived. To support the family, Clint accepted a move to a job with CN Symington Yards in Transcona, which became his forever home.

Dad’s life was pretty simple; eat, work, nap, popcorn, sleep, repeat. He never liked change (if it’s not broke, don’t fix it). These rules always got broken. One thing Dad stood by though was a boy needed two things – a bike and a baseball glove.

Dad’s life was his family. We rode the train back and forth to Dauphin so Mom could visit her family. Later, we car rallied it to Vancouver, seeing Dad’s brother Jim and Mom’s sister Shirley. In the winter, along with all the dads in Transcona, he shoveled the Maple Leaf Rink between periods, so us boys could play. Dad enjoyed camping. There was also an earlier Clint, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. But we never took the time we should have to master all he knew. Dad tolerated us boys growing up, dating, buying cars and toys like dune buggies and motorcycles.

Eventually, along came grandchildren and that is when “Grandpa” really loosened up and expressed some real love. Grandma loved Brandi so much, how could Grandpa not. She was their first grandchild. Together they were able to equally love and enjoy all their grandkids.

When Grandma passed away, Grandpa was very interested in being involved in all the family activities – birthdays, barbecues, baseball games, ringette. He even came along to PEI to watch the girls fastpitch. He was our #1 (or maybe only) slo-pitch fan. He never missed a game, but in Clint fashion, he always slipped away early to “beat the rush”.

And now, without complaint, he slipped away for the last time. A simple man he was, but an ever-lasting impression he left on all of us.

God did not promise sun without rain, light without darkness, or joy without pain. He only promised us strength for the day when the darkness comes, and we lose our way.

Sincere thanks to all the 3rd floor staff at Concordia Place. One staff member always told him “Clint, you’re the boss”.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day Street in Transcona, followed by burial in Transcona Cemetery, 5014 Dugald Road.

The service may be joined virtually by accessing the website www.cropo.com, search for Clinton Wait obituary and scroll down to the Livestream link.



In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ride for Dad Manitoba in support of Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.

https://ridefordad.ca/chapter/manitoba/

We pray, he is now with his eternal family. Mom can share her verse now with him.

Psalm 139; 11, 12

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2023