Clifford Wallace Overton

Clifford was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Joan Beverley (née Cullen). Both grew up in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where they met and married, and Clifford remained devoted to Joan until her passing in 2002. Later, he met Francoise, with whom he developed a loving companionship; she remained a devoted partner until his passing. His family is deeply grateful for her care and support, particularly during his final two years.

He is survived by his sons Crandell (Barbara), Wayne (Sue), and Grant (Kim), and his daughter Laurie (Paul); 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and nieces Margaret Foster and Heather Dick. He was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Estelle Overton., and his sisters Marion (James Dick) and Isabel (Dr. Alfred Bader).

Clifford graduated with Honours in Chemistry and Mathematics (Arts, 1953) from Queen’s University and began his career in metallurgy with Inco in Sudbury. From 1957 to 1966, he lived in Peru with his family while working at the Cerro de Pasco Corporation, eventually serving as Assistant General Superintendent of Mill Production. Life at high altitude in the Andes was challenging but rewarding, and he maintained enduring friendships and professional relationships there.

Upon returning to Canada, he worked as Mill Manager at Bethlehem Copper Ltd. in British Columbia’s Highland Valley, and later as a consultant on metallurgical operations around the world. Through his technical expertise and attentive oversight, he left a lasting mark on the operations he oversaw and on the lives of many employees and their families.

Outside of work, Clifford enjoyed investing, singing in church choirs, gospel groups, and later a barbershop quartet. He loved gardening, taking great pleasure in cultivating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, and earlier in life he enjoyed fishing, hiking, and family outings. Widely regarded as intelligent, well-read, and informed on world affairs, he valued honesty, clarity, and integrity. Those who knew him appreciated his predictability, directness, and dry sense of humour.