We Remember

SAWDON, William (Bill) Clifford

October 19, 1923 — July 19, 2015

Bill passed away peacefully in the beautiful city of Kelowna in his 92nd year surrounded by his loving children. Bill was born and raised in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. In 1940, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was deployed to England. He proudly served with the Royal Regiments of the Canadian Artillery (RCA) and the South Saskatchewan Regiment (SSR). With the Canadian 2nd Division, he participated in the liberation of Caen, Falaise, the Channel Ports, Beveland, the Scheldt, Holland and Germany. Bill also participated and survived the Dieppe Raid of 1942.

Following the end of the war, Bill returned to Canada with his war bride Dora (McPhail). He remained in the Canadian Army serving with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) including participating in peacekeeping missions with NATO and United Nations. He was honourably discharged from the military in 1973 and then started new career with CIBC in Calgary. Dora passed away in 1981. Bill met Mary, who also worked at CIBC, and they were married in 1987. In 1988, Bill and Mary retired from CIBC and moved to Kelowna, BC. During their retirement years, they travelled extensively around the world.

Bill was sadly predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Ivy Sawdon (Baker), his first and second wives, Dora and Mary, brothers Jim, Bob and Don and sister Marjory (Keller). Bill is survived by his sister Barbara; children Martin (Linda), Bruce (Sherry), Louise (Randy) and Gary (Billie); grandchildren Julann, Kim, Anna, Thato, Nicole, Becky, Philip, Tshepho, Mosetsana and great grandsons, Tristan and Aidan.

A celebration of Bill’s life officiated by Reverend Richard Chung will be held at the Springfield Funeral Chapel, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna BC, V1Y 5V8 on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10 a.m. (10:00 hrs). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Dr. Mark Clark and the amazing staff at Orchard Manor for the love and care provided to Bill. Internment in the Field of Honour at the Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery, Calgary, Alberta, will be held at a later date. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10 a.m

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund, c/o 1380 Bertram Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2G1

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SAWDON, William (Bill) Clifford is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10 a.m. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Lynda Abourida (Sawdon) says:
    July 21, 2015 at 10:21 am

    We are truly sorry to hear about your loss. Our Uncle Bill was a great man and he will be truly missed and will always be remembered. After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. Condolences on behalf of Aunt Patricia, Douglas, Robert, Edward and Lynda.

    Reply
  • Mary Tickl says:
    July 21, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Marty, I’m very sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  • Michael & Kathy says:
    July 21, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on your dad’s passing, Bruce.
    We will be with you in spirit on Thursday. Hugs to you all in this time of sorrow.

    Reply
  • Larry Martin says:
    July 22, 2015 at 3:20 am

    To Marty Sawdon and family
    Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. From your fathers obit. I can now see were you get your military back round from.

    Reply
  • Joan Robertson/Mary Cardiff says:
    July 22, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    Bruce and family
    Your father was and will always be a hero. He was instrumental in giving our world freedom and also raising some very stellar kids. Our talks about our father’s will be forever as they changed the lives for so many of us. Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Joan and Mary

    Reply
  • Sandy Shuler says:
    July 23, 2015 at 6:20 am

    Doug and I send our thoughts and sympathy to you and your entire family at this time; may warm and loving memories of your Dad help to ease your sadness. Fond regards, Sandy and Doug

    Reply
  • CIBC Retirees Assoc.-Okanagan/Thompson Region says:
    July 23, 2015 at 8:56 am

    On behalf of our association, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family. While Bill was not an active member in recent years, we do remember him and Mary attending our various luncheons and functions. He has been, and will continued to be missed by us all.
    Sincerely,
    Carol.Sprecher
    ( CIBC Retirees Assoc.)

    Reply
  • Nancy Wong says:
    July 23, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Gary, the kids and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to Louise Sawdon and her family. I understand this is a most difficult time and hope that you will be able to keep remembering the wonderful and happy memories of you and your dad. Keep those memories oh so close to your heart. Take good care of yourself because your dad will continue to watch over you.

    Reply
  • Paul McDowell/Donna Crawford says:
    July 23, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    Dear Bruce and Family:Donna and I send our deepest sympathy,on the loss of your Father.We know he was a powerful presence in your life.May your loving memories,and many shared experiences ease your sadness.Fond Regards:
    Paul McDowell and Donna Crawford

    Reply
  • Sharon Rogerson says:
    July 24, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Bruce and family,
    It is hard to say goodbye. Now it will be the memories of special times that keep his spirit alive.
    Thinking of you today.
    Sharon

    Reply
  • kemang Bruce Isaac says:
    July 25, 2015 at 1:41 am

    Me and the Isaac family would like to also offer our condolences to the sawdon family…Grandpa Bill will surely be missed by all of us…we are really grateful for that last visit he made to Botswana a couple of years back and we still hold good memories of it…..lots and lots of love from us…
    .
    And plis remember that God’s time is always the right time…

    Reply
  • Rick Davies says:
    August 3, 2015 at 5:31 am

    To the Sawdon Family
    Bill was my Adm Sgt in 4 Tpt Coy Winnipeg in 1961. As a young wet behind the ears Lt he taught me many unforgettable lessons. My deepest sympathies to you all. I know you will miss him greatly.

    Reply
  • Beryl Baldeo says:
    August 17, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    Dear Sawdon Family;
    I am so sorry that I was away when you met together to share a celebration of life and thanksgiving for Bill’s life. He and my husband, Albert were great friends and we so enjoyed Mary and him at St. Paul’s United Church over the years.
    God be with you all. With love and prayers, Beryl Baldeo

    Reply

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Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

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Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

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Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke