March 1, 1937 – May 1, 2026
With deepest regret we share the sad news of Cliff’s passing
May 1, 2026. He was born March 1, 1937 in Stavely following mother, Eva’s, five mile journey, first three by stone boat then Model T, at the home of Edna Olson, where a doctor later attended.
He is survived by his grateful and devoted wife of 44 years, Audrey. His nephews: Scott and Danny Egger and their wives Nicole and Betty; sisters Hazel and Norma; stepdaughters Heather and Louanna, and her children Dalton and Skylar Jones. He is predeceased by his parents Norman and Eva Egger and brothers, George and Roy.
Cliff began school, grades one and two, at Trout Creek near Claresholm airport. The family moved closer to Stavely where he completed grade twelve. There were chores before and after school and one set of “school clothes.” As years passed he fed the pigs, chickens and cattle, butchered as necessary, planted and harvested the grain or hay and provided the groceries. He was very athletic, could even rope a pig! Had circumstances permitted he would have liked to compete in calf roping. His horse, Smoky, stood quietly for Eva to mount, but came to Cliff on a high lope where Cliff was expected to grab some mane and swing on. A few years ago he remarked that he had put seventy crops of calves on the ground.
The family operated a gravel pit near the farm, where Cliff, running loader, conveyor and trucks, with three pairs of work boots in the rotation, wore out the soles of one pair every two weeks. In addition he built a post pounder and did contract fencing for the MD.
His annual holiday was a month long Christmas visit to friends and family around St. Thomas, Ont. After 15 years or so he teased that Ontario didn’t have summer since he’d never seen one. He was quick witted, always ready with a joke or quirky remark which nailed the topic, yet humble and kind.
Cliff was an extraordinary volunteer having served over the years as:
President of Stavely Indoor Rodeo Assn;
Director: Stavely Ag Society
Stavely Elks Lodge: numerous chairs then Exalted Ruler
Director: Wilderness Ranch
He received Stavely’s Sportsman of the Year Award in 1982
Anchorman: Willow Creek Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering
For many years he was a behind the chutes sorter and handler of stock on Rodeo Weekend and gateman at the Stavely horseshow in August. During his single years the community was his family.
Pre-computer he could fix anything, inside or out. He was always thinking. In the hills he built a complete set of working corrals using rafters from the Stavely Arena after it was vandalized and partially burned. Yet there was always time to help a neighbor with gathering, sorting, branding or some repair. For fifteen years cows went to Beaver Creek Forestry for summer grazing. It was a big job but he fit right in and enjoyed the friendship of fellow cattlemen in a new location.
Cliff and Audrey married in 1982. The best day of both lives! Together with the two girls they made their home in the foothills NW of Stavely. Cliff’s cows were Black. Audrey’s were feather necked Herefords. For color compatability Red Angus bulls were used until the calf crop was uniform. Then one spring Cliff came home with three Black bulls in the stock trailer. Oops! A running controversy ensued!
He enjoyed the foothills wildlife and knew every bird by name. A conservation agreement had been signed just before his passing.
He loved country western/music, danced a million miles, learned to play guitar and attended every Cowboy Gathering within reach. His signature song was “Out Behind the Barn.”
As downsizing progressed the couple travelled across the West, to Florida, Alaska, Atlantic Canada and Ireland where they were trapped by the Covid outbreak. In 2021 the couple, with regret, retired to Claresholm where Cliff kept the yard like a park and fixed whatever needed fixing.
Cliff was baptized and confirmed at Christ Church, Nanton and recently became a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Claresholm.
Good bye old saddle pal.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church – Claresholm, Alberta on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.