Obituary of Clarence Roy Cross

December 31, 1947 – Tisdale, Saskatchewan

April 15, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

“Top of the Morning to you”

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Clarence Cross, beloved husband of Cecile Cross (nee Simoneau), of Calgary, AB, on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the age of 76 years.

Clarence was born in Tisdale, SK, on December 31, 1947, and grew up in Mistatim. He enjoyed being with all his friends and playing hockey. Clarence could commonly be found working on the farm, helping his dad or his neighbours. Clarence developed an extremely strong work ethic at a very young age, that led to his success in life. He began his working career as a Caterpillar operator for a local construction company.

He married Cecile Simoneau and they later moved to Calgary in July 1969. He developed an interest in sheet metal and went on to spend over 40 years in this business. He spent the last 36 years working for Thermal Systems as Chief Superintendent. He was responsible for the sheet metal construction of the ski jumps for the Calgary Olympics, Shell and Petro Canada gas stations in Western Canada, Calgary Zoo, Calgary light rail transit, as well as numerous commercial buildings. His work took him to the United States of America, Costa Rica and Siberia.

Clarence and Cecile were blessed with two children, Ratelle “Rogie” and Raechelle “Miss Muffin”. Clarence enjoyed spending time volunteering in his community and helping with his children’s sports activities. He was very supportive of his children and very proud of the adults they became. He loved, cared, and was very involved with his seven grandchildren. The grandchildren naturally gravitated to him because of his playful joyous nature. He was always ready and willing to participate in any activity with his grandchildren. Clarence valued his relationship with all his extended family. He had many roles, Papa, Uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and friend. He greatly valued all his close relationships and will be greatly missed more than he will ever know.

He had many passions and interests such as hockey, curling, baseball, training his racehorses, and golfing. Everyone knew if Clarence was there, sweets were close by—peppermints, hot tamales, and all varieties of sweets. His truck was known as the “sweet shop”. Clarence was also “everyone’s go-to”, knowing that Clarence would always “figure it out”. He was unquestionably reliable. Clarence was also known to be direct and to the point and always, “called a spade a spade”. Clarence was quite the “prankster”, and we all enjoyed a good laugh, countless times, even in his last days.

In addition to his wife of 55 years Cecile, he is survived by two children, his son Ratelle (and his wife Laura), and his family Kendel, Ben, Andrew, and Lauren; and his daughter Raechelle (and her husband Russ) and her family, Quinci, Lexton, and Meadow. Clarence is also survived by his two brothers, Gary (Patricia) and Stanley (Penny); sister-in-law Sharon (wife of Norman), sister-in-law Lorraine (wife of Lawrence), and brother-in-law Kevin (husband of Lorraine), all of Saskatchewan.

Clarence is predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Cross; brother Norman, brother Lawrence and sister Lorraine, all of Saskatchewan.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (Railway Ave, Mistatim, SK) on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (Railway Ave, Mistatim, SK) on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

An Open House Celebration of Clarence’s Life will be held at Lynx Ridge Golf Course (8 Lynx Ridge Blvd, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We will all miss his infectious laugh, sense of humour, humble nature, and willingness to help others.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Mistatim Community Center (Box 38 Mistatim, SK, S0E 1B0)

The family requests that you share a memory or story to rogcross@telus.net to help them create a memory book. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed with Clarence’s family here.

“Over and Out”

In living memory of Clarence Cross, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.