In his 95th year, Clifford passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 14th, 2021, in Gravenhurst, Ontario.
Clifford is survived by and was the beloved husband of Dorothy (nee Weston). He is also survived by and was the loving father to their three children Derek (Colette), Stewart, and Leslie. Cherished grandfather to Skylar Gostick (Brett), Brody, Rachel, Scott, Jacob (Danielle), and Sabrina. Proud great-grandfather to Whalen Clifford and Erica.
Cliff is also survived by his brother Clare Taplin (sister-in-law Pat), the last of his siblings, as well as by several nieces and nephews. Cliff was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Marjorie Taplin and by his sisters Peggy and Dorothy and his brother Sidney.
He made it to see his 94th birthday and during those 94 years, he truly accomplished so many wonderful things we will always be proud of. Cliff was born and raised in Richmond Hill, Toronto, and he could tell you his way around the city with his eyes closed, right until the end of his life. Knowing the importance and the forever need of the trades, Cliff and his brother Sid started and ran a successful plumbing business in the city, which was well known as "Taplin Brothers Plumbing Inc.".
In Cliff’s free time, he was avid in racing and specialized in racing speed boats and motorcycles of every kind; he was really good! Later he met and he married the love of his life, Dorothy. They settled into their new life and later welcomed the first of their three children, Derek. Later Stewart was born and lastly Leslie. Cliff and Dorothy were together for 62 glorious years.
Cliff was a family man who was always there for his family and enjoyed several trips to the CNE, Florida, and out East, just to name a few. Cliff and his family would spend their weekends during the winter months and every summer at their second home in Muskoka, which in 1976 would become their permanent residence. Cliff loved Muskoka and all it had to offer; more so he loved the time spent at the hunting camp Long Lake Lodge. Cliff could always be found out at the camp doing upgrades and ensuring all was well maintained and ready for hunting season. He always enjoyed a bite to eat and conversation on the back deck, as well as taking in the view and cool breeze from the lake.
He had a love for classic cars and regularly partook in classic car shows. He was proud of his 1966 Beaumont, it being the last classic car he would own. He loved the sound of old-time music and he was particularly fond of the saxophone. Cliff also served in the Merchant Navy during WW2 and even though it wasn't a part of his life he spoke of often, it still stood to be a time of great importance and the stories he did share will forever be remembered, as will he.
Cliff was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was deeply loved by his family and will be forever missed and always cherished.
As per Cliff’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date. In memory of Cliff, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society https://alzheimer.ca/muskoka/en
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Muskoka Shores and Dr. Forester for their care and compassion.
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