Clifford "Cliff" Edwin Lough

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Clifford E. Lough, beloved husband of Ruth Lough, announce his passing on May 26th, 2026, at the age of 89 years.

Clifford Edwin Lough was born on September 30th, 1936, at St. Michael’s General Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta, to parents Edwin and Lolette (Valentine nee Kunzle) Lough. The family lived on a farm near Coaldale, where Cliff grew up with his two sisters, Anne Marie and Irene. 

Cliff attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (S.A.I.T.) in Calgary, where he studied Chemical Technology from 1959 to 1961. This led to his career as an Analytical Chemistry Technologist with the Defence Research Establishment Suffield (DRES) from 1961 to 1994. He was well respected in his workplace.

In 1961, Cliff married Marilyn. They briefly lived in Medicine Hat, where they had their first son, Darrell. Their second son, Ross, was born after moving to Ralston. In 1966, on Groundhog Day, the family returned to Medicine Hat, where they had two more boys, Barry and Patrick. Cliff found himself very busy with four boys and all their activities, including Cubs/Scouts, where he volunteered as a leader. The family recalls fond memories of camping trips.

As a family man, Cliff taught by example; love was expressed through loyalty, presence, reliability, and care. He lived by his actions and was more likely to be found doing something useful rather than talking about it. He was a problem solver; he liked to figure out how things worked, which he skillfully applied to DIY projects around the house. He could also be found assembling models, doing puzzles, and gardening. To everyone’s benefit, he enjoyed both cooking and baking. His homemade bread, carrot cake, and caramel squares are legendary family favourites!

Later in life, Cliff met Ruthie. During their time together, they discovered they had many common interests and shared similar values, both of which deepened their affection for one another. They were engaged in November 1994 and married in September 1995. Together, they enjoyed dancing, golfing, card games, theatre productions, concerts, and were avid travellers. 

When they brought their families together, Cliff welcomed Ruthie’s girls with a kind heart. Lori, Susan, and Sandra are grateful for the patience and respect he showed their mom.  All the grandchildren have fond memories of sleepovers at the house during vacations. At the start of each visit, Grandpa would greet everyone at the door with a big smile. Easter was an epic celebration in the backyard, where the grandchildren excitedly searched high and low for chocolate eggs and bunnies. No visit was complete without Grandpa and Grandma standing in their doorway, waving goodbye. The entire family is so grateful he was such an important part of all their lives. 

In early 2020, Cliff realized he was having trouble doing his Sudoku puzzles and was concerned. Life began to change as he struggled with Alzheimer’s. Despite challenges with his memory, he shared stories of old friends and family, especially his uncle Wilfred. Sometimes it was difficult to know whether every detail was accurate, but it was still heartwarming to hear his stories. Fortunately, Cliff never lost his sense of humor, no matter what he faced. 

Ruthie remained vigilant of his care throughout, and until his passing, the two were inseparable. For thirty-five years, they shared a life of endearing love, adventurous travels, socializing with friends, and celebrating with family. Hand in hand with an admirable devotion to each other, they appreciated every moment of the precious time they shared.

Clifford is predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Lolette Lough, his sisters Anne Marie and Irene (Doug), his son Ross, his uncle Wilfred, his two nieces, Jan and Karen, and his great-granddaughter Hadley Rayne. 

His memory lives on through his beloved and devoted wife Ruthie, his sons Darrell, Barry (Heather), Patrick (Dulaine), Ruthie’s daughters Lori (Robert), Susan, Sandra (Eric), his grandchildren Marie (Josh), Felicia (Robbie), Stuart, Christopher, Desiree, Nakita, Rachael (Austin), Alex (Mabel), Emily, Ian, Tylan (Christine), Jonathan (Elicia), Benjamin (Martha), Dayna (Curtis) and his great-grandchildren Hope, Bentley, Ivy, Shyanne, Taiya, Cole, Axle, Raelee, Sophie, and Josie as well as many other extended family members. 

Many thanks to the staff at Meadow Ridge Seniors Village, Age Care Riverview and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for their care during Cliff’s journey through Alzheimer’s. Special thank you to Cathy Hilsendeger for going the extra mile. Thank you to Grace Memorial for their kind help and understanding during this time.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 12th, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Chinook Village Terrace Room. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cliff's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Society, HALO, Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre and Alberta Diabetes Foundation.

Alzheimer’s Request

BY OWEN DARNELL

Do not ask me to remember,
don’t try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you’re with me,
kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept,
I’m sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you,
to be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,
do not scold or curse or cry.
I can’t help the way I’m acting,
I can’t help it though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
that the best of me is gone.
Please don’t fail to stand beside me,
love me ’till my life is gone.

Remember Me

Speak of me as you have always done.

Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.

Share the happy memories we’ve made.

Do not let them wither or fade.

I’ll be with you in the summer’s sun

And when the winter’s chill has come.

I’ll be the voice that whispers in the breeze.

I’m peaceful now, put your mind at ease.

I’ve rested my eyes and gone to sleep,

But memories we’ve shared are yours to keep.

Sometimes our final days may be a test,

But remember me when I was at my best.

Although things may not be the same,

Don’t be afraid to use my name.

Let your sorrow last for just a while.

Comfort each other and try to smile.

I’ve lived a llife filled with joy and fun.

Live on now, make me proud of what you’ll become.

-Anthony Dowson

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clifford "Cliff" Edwin Lough, please visit our floral store.