Celebration of Life for the Rev. George Ernest Clifford

The Reverend George Ernest Clifford died peacefully on June 3, 2023, at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family. 

Rev. George (as we called him at GSJ) was called to the Ministry, and was ordained in the United Church of Canada in 1960 after having earned his Bachelor of Divinity from McGill University. George served as a minister in many unique and meaningful ways all the days of his life. His journey in ministry began in Campbell's Bay Quebec, and proceeded to Rideau Park in Ottawa, St. Paul's United in Cornwall, Wall Street United in Brockville, and then finally, to City View United in Ottawa, where he retired in 1997. After retirement, George joined Glebe-St. James United Church in Ottawa, and assisted there as the Minister of Visitation (Pastoral Care). Many recall his remarkable ability to remember names, especially the names of the elderly parents of his congregants and their various aches and pains. Recently he participated during COVID as a 'friendly caller' and worked his way through the church directory several times! Many who drove him to his medical appointments in recent years recall car conversations that were like a spiritual cleansing.   As said in his obituary "George spent his life in service to others. He was deeply interested in people and their lives and stories, always offering a kind word and support when needed. A patient, loving, and gentle man, he always saw the best in people. He was devoted to his family, and his congregants. He had a great appreciation of the old-time music of his era, particularly the big bands of the 1940s and the 'Gospel Classics'. Oh and did he love to sing! George was called to ministry with a firm belief in the Christian faith, and he lived it every day with an open heart and great compassion." We can say a loud "AMEN" to that!

A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Glebe-St. James United Church, 650 Lyons St. S., in Ottawa. A recorded version of the service can be found on our YouTube channel.