Clarence Dixon 1922 – 2017 log BCLEGION bbOn Tuesday, August 2, 2017 one month and a day after joyfully celebrating his 95th birthday Clarence Dixon, died peacefully at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. Clarence was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Martha (nee Darroch) Dixon, his parents and his siblings: Muriel (Irvin), Aileen (Tom), Ward (Lorayne). He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his sons Rick (Joan) and Derald; his grandchildren Steven (Tanya), Dallas (Travis Malinski); great-grandchildren Grace and Merit Dixon and Mya and Sydney Malinski; his sister, Grace (Arnold) Facey; many nieces and nephews and close friend, Margaret Hicks. Clarence was born on July 1, 1922 and raised on the family farm near Lorlie, SK, a son to Enoch and Winona (Ward) Dixon. He received his education at Lorlie School. In 1941, while helping on the family farm, he enlisted in the RCAF to serve as a wireless operator/air gunner. His first posting was in Debert, Nova Scotia. This was his first operational training. From there he went to Britain for submarine hunting duties, and then to Gibraltar for convoy escort. After his first tour of duty, he switched to transport command with 48 Squadron flying in Douglas Dakotas. One of the more important missions was conducted on June 5, 1944, the night before D-Day, dropping commandos in to capture the bridges in France. Later flights were for resupply missions and evacuation of the wounded. In September 1944, with the same plane and crew, he was involved in the battle for the liberation of Holland at the bridge at Arnhem. They flew three missions there and came back unscathed. After nearly 1000 flying hours all over Europe, North Africa, India, and the Middle East, Clarence returned to Canada, purchased a farm with his new bride, Martha, and settled in to a life of farming. Clarence was very involved in the community, especially with the legion, softball, and curling. He retired from farming in 1976 and he and Martha moved to Balcarres, where he began his hobby of woodworking, producing many beautiful objects of turned, exotic woods. They travelled extensively, wintering in Arizona and they took numerous trips back to the Continent to visit Martha's family. Wanting to be closer to family, Clarence and Martha moved in to Marquis Towers in Saskatoon. Martha passed away in 1999. A few years after Martha died, Clarence moved from Marquis Towers to Preston Park Retirement Home. The family wishes to thank Preston Park staff and Dad's many caregivers over the years. Special thanks to the people at St. Paul's Hospital for the care and compassion they provided during Dad's final days. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Saskatoon Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Funeral Rites will be conducted at the Chapel. Interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to the Legion Poppy Fund. Condolences for the family may be left at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (306) 244-5577.