John "Clifford" Sawatsky

1947 - 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of John (Clifford) Sawatsky announces his passing on December 31, 2024, at Samaritan Place in Saskatoon after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Cliff was born in Herbert, SK in May of 1947 to John & Alice Sawatsky. The Sawatsky family settled in Elbow, SK in 1952 where John was a grain buyer for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.

Cliff married the love of his life, Charlotte Ferguson of Birsay, in July of 1968 and they soon settled in Allan, SK where Cliff worked at the Allan Potash Mine. Cliff was heavily involved with the Mine Rescue team for a number of years, travelling around the province at numerous competitions. Cliff was also an avid curler, golfer, crib player and shuffle boarder over the years. Upon retirement, Cliff and Charlotte spent summers at their Waldsea Lake cabin and later in Saskatoon. Winters would find them in Thousand Palms, CA where many family and friends escaped the winter cold and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlotte, and sisters-in-law Diane Sawatsky, Dianne Beaman, Dianna Ferguson and Marj Paonessa. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Ron Fiske and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Alice Sawatsky, his sister Shirley Fiske, brother Lloyd Sawatsky, his mother and father-in-law, David and Anne Ferguson and brothers-in-law, John Paonessa and David, Douglas and Robert Ferguson.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers at Samaritan Place in Saskatoon for the compassion and support provided to Cliff over the past ten years. At Cliff’s request, no funeral service will be held. A family celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements in care of Mourning Glory - Acadia McKague’s Funeral Chapel, Saskatoon.