Clifford Joseph MacDonald

With love and sadness, the family of Clifford Joseph MacDonald (AKA Cliffy Joe) announces the peaceful passing at Colville Manor on June 16, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Bear River, Prince Edward Island on September 23, 1943, Cliffy Joe was a man of great humour, hard work and heart.

Cliffy Joe will be deeply missed by his loving daughter Michelyn (Darrell, deceased) and his cherished partner Edna Ross. He is also survived by his siblings Everett, Ken (Lynda), Ray, Ida (Robbie), Ron and Allan (Sara), as well as in-laws Ron, Elaine, Dolly (Bill), Margie (Joe), Eydie (Romeo) and Inez (Jim). He was predeceased by his loving wife Helen (nee Burke) of 41 years, infant son Carl and parents Bernard and Frances. He was also predeceased by siblings Geraldine, Les, Edna, Jimmy and in-laws Joanne, Nora (Eddie), Velma (Leonard) and Donnie (Catherine).

A proud Islander, Cliffy Joe spent 36 years as a bus driver, providing kindness, concern and safety to the children he transported each day. He was also a respected businessman, known for his work in fishing and trapping, and especially as the founder of “C.J. Fly’s”. His hand-tied flies were well-known and appreciated far and wide. In 1997, fellow Souris residents voted Cliffy citizen of the year.

Cliffy Joe was known for his dry wit and unmistakable twinkle in his eye. He delighted in teasing anyone he met, but especially those he loved most. His humour and storytelling are legendary among friends and family.

Visitation will take place at the Dr. Roddie Community Centre in St. Peters on Friday, June 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service, led by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, will be held before the visitation.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in St. Alexis Cemetery. The funeral mass will be livestreamed and may be viewed via the following link Livestream. If you have difficulty accessing the livestream, please call 1-877-895-2739.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to St. Alexis Cemetery Fund or Colville Manor. You could also share a laugh, tell a story or tie a fly in Cliffy’s honour.