With broken hearts we announce the passing of our amazing Father, George Clifton Skene, which occurred at the CHSLD in New Carlisle, Quebec on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Clifton was born on April 16th, 1931 and lived a life defined by hard work, volunteering and a deep, abiding love for his family. Clifton was a devoted Father to his son Stephen and his daughter Eva (Wayne Smith) and he never missed a chance to speak about them with pride. Clifton is also is survived by his two brothers Joseph (Gaby) and Winston (Mildred) along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur Skene and Claudia Grenier and the love of his life, his wife of 65 years Melba MacWhirter who passed in 2020, Brothers Leo and John, Sisters Audree and Jane.
At the heart of Clifton’s life was his family. He is lovingly remembered for his sense of humor, reading magazines and newspapers from cover to cover, playing military whisk, gardening, keeping the property in pristine condition and his love for food (except scallops). Clifton was very proud of his 43 year career on the Canadian National Railway working on the passenger and freight trains on the Gaspe Coast as a Conductor, Brakeman and Baggageman. In retirement he volunteered at the Golden Age and drove seniors in the community to doctor appointments and groceries when needed, and continued with his gardening and the upkeep of his home and property. Above all, Clifton was very loyal, generous, meticulous and goodhearted man that would help anyone. He enjoyed taking the travel trailer out in the summer and visiting family out of province or going for a vacation in the States. Later on he and Melba would just travel by car to NB to visit his son and daughter a couple times a year. He loved to share stories about the past and also his experiences he had on the train and those who knew him will carry these gifts forward.
We would like to thank Dr Basque and everyone in Post 3 that provide such great care and compassion with Daddy , there is just too many to name individually.
The Celebration of Clifton’s life will be held at a later date and will be held at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Shigawake.
Donations can be made in Memory of Clifton Skene to the St Paul’s Anglican Church General Fund.
Professional services have been entrusted to the Réjean Bélanger Funeral Home inc, a subsidiary of the H.G. Division network certified Distinction by the Corporation des Thanatologues du Québec and by the Bureau de Normalisation de Québec.
The management and staff of HG Division offer their deepest condolences to the families and thank them for their trust.
Our most sincere sympathies to Cliff’s Family. We have very fond memories.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux proches de monsieur Skene. Monsieur Skene a été un bon et dévoué bénévole de nombreuses années, nous en gardons un précieux souvenir.
Les membres du conseil d'administration, la direction et le personnel du Centre d’action bénévole Saint-Siméon/Port-Daniel
Mes sincères condoléances aux familles Skene et MacWhirter.
La bienveillance de Clifton a été une inspiration pour nous tous et j'en garde de précieux souvenirs.
Our sincere condolences to the whole family
My sincere condolences to Eva, Steven and to all the Shene and MacWhirter’s families.
My deepest sympathy to the family .🙏🙏🙏
My deepest sympathies to the Skene and McWhirter familles.
Our sincere sympathy to Eva, Stephen and family. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Mr. Skene.
My deepest sympathies to Eva and Stephen on the passing of your father. Mr. Skene was exceptionally kind. The Gilker Residence appreciated his time there. Thank you Eva for the excellent care you gave to your father. 💕
Sincères condoléances aux familles Skene et Macwhirter, spécialement Jos. et Gaby.
Nos sincères condoléances aux familles éprouvées, nos pensées vous accompagnent durant cette épreuve.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Toutes nos pensées sont tournées vers vous pour vous apporter un peu de réconfort dans l'épreuve que vous vivez.
Mr. Clifton was a wonderful man. I’ll always remember how excited I was to see him when I was returning home on the train from my studies. My sincere condolences to the Skene and MacWhirter families. May Mr. Clifton now rest in peace with Mrs. Melba and all his CN buddies in heaven.
Our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time .
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille 🙏
Sincere condolences to Stephen & Eva and their families. Your father was a very close friend of Alfred & Leona. Daddy worked many years with your father on the train and I believe they started around the same time for the CNR. Daddy always spoke highly of Clifton. The last time I was at the Centre in New Carlisle with the Community Choir I visited with him for a chat. May he rest in peace now while joining your Mom.
My deepest condolences to Eva, Stephen and all the family.
Our deepest condolences to the family. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
