Trot Insider has learned that long-time Saskatchewan trainer Richard "Dick" Clifton passed away on Thursday, March 31. Dick was 94 years old and was a fixture on the Saskatchewan racing scene
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Two of Dick's favourite campaigners were the Clifton family-owned Little Chili and Punkie. He was predeceased by his wife, Camilla in December of 2010. He is survived by sons Jerv and Dale, daughter Delaine and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dick was known as an early riser and took great pride as being the first one on the track every morning. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Please join the Saskatchewan Standardbred Horsemen's Association along with Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Richard Clifton.
One Of The Nicest Men I Ever
One Of The Nicest Men I Ever Met
My condolences to the Clifton's. Dick was one in a million. I will never forget his competiveness with Ivor Remmen, to see who would be the first at the track in the morning. I remember one morning in Saskatoon when I asked security who arrived the earliest and how shocked I was when he told me Dick had gotten there at around 3 a.m.
Dick loved horses, and his family. I will always remember Dick as an individual who knew why the Lord gave us two ears, two eyes and one mouth and left it up to us to discover how we could learn the most. He was a quiet gentle man.
Until this day I still remember asking Dick about a roan horse he bought off the truck that was leaving the track. The horse won about four or five races in a row. One day I asked Dick what he was doing to get that horse to race so good. He told me, "I whispered in his ear and told him to smarten up or he will be back on the truck."
I am honoured and priviledged to have met Dick and may he Rest In Peace.
All my best to Dick's
All my best to Dick's family, my thoughts are with you. I enjoyed my times racing with Dick, may have even drove a couple for him when Jerv was not up to the task!!
Take care
Sam Hawkins