Clifton Skene

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.