by Sylene Argent
The Clifford family officially dedicate a memorial bench last Thursday afternoon, which is located in front of the Shoppers Drug Mart in Harrow Centre.
Doug Sweet, Essex’s Director of Community Services, thanked the Clifford family for what is likely one of the nicest benches within the municipality. He said it will likely get a lot of use in its downtown Harrow location.
The memorial bench was placed in memory of Blake Clifford, who passed away after a car accident five years ago at the age of 23. The memorial piece, however, also remembers every loved one lost too soon, which is indicated in the engraving on the bench’s back, which reads, “Remember our children who have left before us. Until we meet again.”
The bench was purchased through the Blake Clifford Memorial Fund. Clifford’s family hosts a golf tournament annually and uses the proceeds to support various causes. In the past, the funds have supported the Harrow Food Bank with a non-perishable food donation, the Ignite the Spirit firefighter charity, and local sports.
Todd Clifford, Blake’s dad, noted this was the second memorial bench purchased through the fund. The first was placed at Lambton College where Blake graduated from the Fire Science program. The Fund also supports an annual Lambton College Award that is presented to a student in the Fire Science program that demonstrates pride, passion, team work skills, and dedication.