Clifford Kenneth Lefort “Waabishkigwan”
September 19, 1951 – April 25, 2021
Clifford passed away at home with his loving wife and daughter Patti Ann and Sundance by his side in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Survived by his wife Patti Ann and their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who he adored.
Predeceased by his parents Rose and Albert Lefort, baby brother Vernelle Lefort as well as many other family, and friends he considered family that were dear to him.
Clifford lived his best life as an avid outdoors man, sharing his love of the lakes, music and the land.
Over the course of his life time he’s shared his many talents with those around him. He was a very skilled fisherman, with experience in guiding for over 50 years, who had guided in tourist camps across the area including Evergreen Lodge, Finn and Feather Resort, Northshore Lodge, Sandy Beach Lodge, and Eagle Lake Lodge. Even in his spare time off the clocks, he went fishing every chance that he got, and when he wasn’t doing that he was volunteering his time every summer at the Eagle Lake First Nation Annual Pow Wow, frying fish and recruiting help (for the future powwow) for the community feast, which he had also done for over 50 years. He also volunteered his time to resurrect the Dryden Native Friendship Centre from its closure, he spent hours of the day into the night cleaning, organizing, and fixing the centre, with the dedicated helpers that he had including his young daughter and his wife. All of his hard work had paid off, and today the DNFC is flourishing.
As a young man, Clifford taught himself how to play the guitar he sometimes called his “guit-fiddle”. He played drums with the McIvor Brothers Band for a period of time and was recognized by some as “Johnny Cash”, he had a passion for his music and taught anyone who wanted to learn. He truly felt the rhythm in his soul, he could dance to anything. Clifford was also an excellent hunter and tracker He spent many years hunting wild game to provide for his friends and family. The stories that he could tell you. Along with his laughter came the tricks and shenanigans. Anyone who knew Clifford could tell you he was quite the character.
In his life time of adventure he met and connected with so many people, and he never judged anyone for who they were, where they came from, or what they had or didn’t have. He was loving and generous, always willing to help out anyone in need with no expectations. He was nicknamed “The king” because he always opened doors, greeted and acknowledged everyone. Clifford lived an exciting life of adventure but it was best shared with his children and family. He was a strong man, he tried to hold on to meet his grandchild Caleb (Due July 12, 2021) who he loved and worried about so much he wanted to make sure his boy was taken care of. He loved and was so protective of his family, and he didn’t want to leave. If he could stay forever he would and then some.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. until time of service at the Eagle Lake Community Hall.
A Traditional Service will take place on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Eagle Lake Community Hall with Elder Leonard Skye officiating.
Cremation to follow. Internment will take place at a later date.
Donations may be made In Trust to Caleb Clifford John Lefort c/o Sundance Lefort through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
