Longtime harness racing official Clifford Affleck passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 1, at the age of 72, with his loving family by his side at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Affleck, who enjoyed a 17-year career as a harness racing judge, also served as junior council chair for Hockey P.E.I. in recent years and was a popular bus driver.
A friend and mentor to many in both harness racing and hockey, Affleck was highly respected for his knowledge and passion for both sports.
“He mentored a lot of the younger guys and (Clifford) was looked up to because of his experience,” Brett Revington, Director of Racing at the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC), was quoted as saying in a Salt Wire article. “He demanded respect, and I think he earned respect. He had the respect of all the racing participants as well.”
Born in Mt. Stewart, he is the son of the late Wilfred and Genevieve Affleck. Beloved husband of Velma (Coffin) Affleck. Dear father of Juliana MacEwen (Craig deceased) and Jeff Affleck (Crystal). Proud Grampie to Kurtis MacEwen (Emily), Zack MacEwen (Lindsay), and Ethan Larocque. Loving Bampie to Ellena Affleck and Phia MacEwen. Loved by his brothers and sisters Percy Affleck (deceased - Elizabeth) Shirley MacDonald (Brian), Billy (deceased), Kay Affleck, Allan Affleck (Annette), Brenda Weatherbie, Barb Feehan (Ivan), in-laws, Allan Coffin (Cathy deceased), Brent Coffin (deceased - Donna MacLean), Barry Coffin (deceased - Patricia), Kevin Coffin (Sheila), Bonnie Coffin (Zdravko), Belinda Osborne (Ashif), Robert Coffin, and will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Clifford will also be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues at Coach Atlantic, Atlantic Cruise Ships, Target Tours, Hockey P.E.I., Maritime Harness Racing and Eastern School District.
Resting at the Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home. Due to current restrictions, the wake and funeral will be by invite only. The wake will take place Wednesday August 4 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Affleck family and friends 5:00-6:00 p.m., Coffin family and friends 6:00-7:00 p.m., and friends and colleagues 7:00-8:00 p.m.), The funeral will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Mt. Stewart on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in St. Andrews Parish Cemetery. The funeral mass will be available for viewing later on Thursday via live stream by visiting Clifford's obituary at www.islandowned.ca.
If so desired memorial contributions may be made to the St. Andrew's Parish or The My Biggest Fan Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.islandowned.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Clifford Affleck.
(With files from Salt Wire)