JONES, Clifford Vernon, “MIKE” 87, formerly of Aylesford, N. S., died August 17, 2012 in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool.
Born on March 2, 1925, at New Ross Road, Kings County, N. S., he was the son of the late Melvin Charles and Edna (Wentworth) Jones.
Mike wore many hats in his lifetime. He enlisted in the merchant marines and signed off the day before his ship sank with no survivors. It was in Ontario where Mike perfected his carpentry skills, working on many new and heritage buildings. Music, however, was the one constant that wove through his life. In 1948 he teamed up with Alberta Slim, who will be remembered for his “Apple Blossom Time in Annapolis Valley “. Mike performed with Grandpa Jones, of Grand Ol’ Oprey fame, and did a number of guest appearances on CBC with Don Messer. In the early 50’s Mike was known as “The Lone Star Mountaineer”, when he played and sang his songs on the radio stations CFAB and CKEN, Kentville, Nova Scotia. In 1982, Mike returned to N. S. and settled in the Aylesford area. He joined the Annapolis Valley Blue Grass Association, and did solo performances for Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. Mike was a resourceful and self-reliant person, constantly looking for a new skill to master; he canned his own food, smoked his own fish, and built the house where he lived for the last several decades of his life, as well as teaching himself to read as a boy. He showed great perseverance in the face of adversity; prolonged sickness as a child left him with a permanent physical disability, yet he never let it stop him from working hard, or doing things his own way. He applied this determination to everything, whether it was his work, his hobbies, or standing by his convictions, and he kept his mischievous sense of humour up until the end. Mike loved his spot in the pines and cherished the friendship of his neighbours and good friends, Ed & Ida Ryerson, and the support and friendship of his niece Linda. North Queens Nursing Home in Caledonia is where Mike spent his final years, surrounded by the staff who were loving and attentive. We thank you. The family would also like to thank the staff of Queens General Hospital for their care.
Surviving are daughter Karen Jones (Thomas Melanson), granddaughter Ella, Ontario; daughter Michaelaine “Mikki” Jones, grandsons Michael, Nephi, Shane Simmons, and seven great grandchildren of Australia.
Mike was pre-deceased by his infant son Grantley Rudolph, and sisters Ruby, Nina, Isabel, Leanna, Eva, Lillian, Greta, Mary Altena “Tina”, Gloria “Budd”; brothers Peter, Grover, Gerald, Edward, John.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Chandlers’ Funeral Service Ltd. Interment at Elm Grove Cemetery will follow at a later date as per Mike’s wishes. If desired, donations in Mike’s memory to North Queens Nursing Home, Caledonia, N. S., specifically for entertainment and recreation in the Alzheimers unit, or Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, N. S. would be appreciated. Mike would be happy if you visited a senior, shut-in, or someone in need of cheering up. Make their day and yours a little brighter. Any shared memories can be received at www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Deb,Chuck Sponagle-Taylor
We did not know Mike or you his family but after reading these wonderful memories and words we were touched by what you said about him and his wishes ,the kind of person he was and what he has left us all with. Our condolences to You his family. We have in the past and are again going to do excatly what he requested we all do and that would be put a smile on any faces and a light in any Hearts we can be blessed to. He would be very pleased with how you discribed him ,even to a stranger.
Blesses your way, RIP Mike.
Deb and Chuck Taylor
Michaelaine Jones
Much loved and greatly missed by all of us in Australia as well.
To my sister Karen, her husband Tom also the only Grand Daughter of Mike, Ella. Who was a light in dad’s life. Thankyou for caring for my parents when I am unable.
To the much appiecated staff at the nursing Home at Queens for their dedication and their good care for my dad.I believe that he use to give the nurses abit of a stir , clipped their heels to make them hurry up.
To Chandler’s Funeral Service Ltd. for their time and consideration at this time.
Also to all those who were touched by dad’s magical charm and who loved him and that will miss him.
Thankyou from Michaelaine & family
Michelle and Jason Finch
to Karen and family
I am Linda and Earle’s daughter and Uncle Mike’s great neice. I am glad I got to spend so much time with him when living in greenwood and visiting mom and dad. Everytime mom went over I would go spend time with him and listen to the stories of his life. He touched my heart in many ways. I was very lucky to have this time with him and wish I had more. Will miss him dearly.I enjoyed those visits and helping mom with him all the time he needed her. I enjoyed listening to him talk about the radio shows, singing with different personalities and the trips he made. He made me a casette that I will cherish. love Michelle
Juanita Bezanson
To Karen, Michaeline and their families my sincere sympathy to you all. Uncle Mike will be sadly missed by those who loved and respected him. There are so many memories of him and his singing around the country. They will remain with me the rest of my life. There are so many stories that I have heard over the years from my Mom (Lill).
I know that if there is a heaven; Uncle Mike is there singing to everyone and that his family are all there with him.
Always in my thoughts,
Juanita
Debby Maguire
My sincere condolences to Karen & the Family. Thank you for such wonderful words & memories of Mike. I am sure he is smiling down on each & every one of you. I knew Mike for about 20 years while working at the Bank in Greenwood. I would speak to Mike a couple times a week, not only for business inquiries but just to talk as he would call it. He would ask for me personally as I would take the extra time to chat. He would always ask, “Hows my favourite girl today?” You could never mistaken his voice. Mike loved his family immensely & loved talking about everyone. He was such a generous man & always loved to put a smile on someone’s face. He really enjoyed helping others whether he knew them or not. Mike will surely be missed by everyone who knew him.
RIP Mike & keep telling those stories.
Chris Yorke
Our thoughts are with you Karen, Tom, Ella, Mikki and family, We know that Mike was so proud of you all and that you (Karen, Mikki and Ella and the grandsons) inherited so many of his best qualiities. (Hard working, kind, generous with an interest in many things and a very capable and clever man.) Mike was a very special person who inspired others with his friendly ways, zest for life and great sense of humour. His music was also enjoyed by many and will never be forgotten. He was a true Canadian treasure and will be missed. Here’s to you Mike!
Chris, Rick and Debxxx
Tim Mackinlay
I remember Mike playing for us when I was only 5 or 6 years old
at “Granny Teens” Even at that age, I was thrilled and it left a lasting impression. My condolences to the family. Mike was the last of the great ones.
Tim Mackinlay
Lucan, Ontario
Michael Simmons
I remember a great man taking me fishing when i was a small boy,showing me how to bait the hooks, his kind smile.
It’s one of my earliest memories, I will never forget how much he loved me.
I love you Grandpa
Rest in Peace
Michael Simmons
Brisbane,Australia
Bev & Art Ritchie
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Mike was a great friend and help to us over the many years. He has been greatly missed throughout the last few years. We often drive by his home and think of some little story about him. Rest in peace Mike.
Love to all from Bev and Art.
Heather Armstrong
Uncle Mike was my favorite uncle. He would visit our house in North Alton often and tell stories and sing songs . We loved hearing him sing and laught. My Mom (Joy) and I visited home in North Queens when we were camping in Kiji. He always put a smile on our faces. We’ll miss him.
Todd And Debby Moffat
We did not know Mike but have been neighbours and good friends
with his daughter Karen and Tom and granddaughter Ella for a
number of years. Our daughters’ grew up and played together. We used to listen to them talk about Mike and always felt that we
knew him in some small way as he was very much like Todd’s
father, a carpenter and a lover of music. Karen, Tom and Ella
spent time down east every summer and endeavored to support
and help Mike out as much as possible. We are so sorry for
your loss, but know you will have many cherished memories and
that he will always be with you.
Our love and support,
Todd Deb and Girls
Sheila ( Jones) Levy
On behalf of the family of Mike’s sister-in-law, Janke Jones we would like to extend our sympathy to Karen, Michaeline and their families. Mom remembered the song that Mike wrote years ago called, ” Don’t be ashamed to be Lame”. He wrote the song based on his fall from a barn loft when he was 6 years old which left him lame. Mom also recounted how our Dad -Gerald gave Mike his bicycle just before he went overseas for the war as he was special to our father. When my parents built their home in 1989, Mike was there to help Dad with the verandah since Mike was so skilled with carpentry .
My husband reminded me Mike even built his own gear to drill the well for his house in Aylesford. He had many talents and the love you sensed from him to his siblings was something that I remember on his visits home from Ontario. May all of your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead! Niece- Sheila ( Jones) Levy
Jim Teeter
Karen and Micky and families sorry for your loss While growing up as a kid in Belfountain I have fond memories of your mom and dad coming to the farm and visiting my mom and dad and your dad playing his music. Recently my son Brad bought Dave’s old house from the estate and while restoring the house we removed the old wall panelling from the walls of the basement that Mike installed it for Dave in 1982. R.I.P.Mike .
Lynn Murray
Dear Karen,so sorry for your loss,I was proud and lucky to get to know your father and you. Near the end he spoke about his youth and life and working with his horse in the woods.He was a great story teller.R.I.P. Mike
Linda Hall
Karen and Family, we feel your loss. Mike was well liked and loved at North Queens Nursing Home – he was part of the family here. Mike was quite the character and a charmer. We miss his humour and wit. It would have been so wonderful to know Mike as well in his earlier years; he had such a wonderful and interesting life. It would have been something to see him play on the Don Messer show! The staff and volunteers in the Recreation Department enjoyed spending time with Mike, especially the one to one time walking, or just visiting and talking. It is people like Mike who make us appreciate our work and feel rewarded – he is missed.
Linda Hall & Jayme Kaulback (Recreation Department) & Joy Boyle (Director of Care)
Natasha Rhodenizer (NQNH)
To Mike’s Family;
I am so sorry for your loss. I can surely say he’s missed by myself as well. I enjoyed the chats we often had, the stories he shared and surely miss being called “Lill”.
It was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet such a fascinating man. I will always remember him with fond memories. Rest In Peace
Lorena Lohnes (NQNH)
To Mike’s family,
We will always remember Mike fondly, he was what we call a character. Certainly a one of a kind person, and we will be telling ‘Mike’ stories for many years to come. I will never forget him telling me that he loved me (usually just after he had given me the dickens for perfoming a task the ‘wrong” way) . I am so sorry for your loss Karen…… rest in peace Mike.