Fr. John H. Clifton Obituary (1953 - 2023)

In Loving Memory of John Clifton John Clifton, a beloved husband, father, brother, and priest, passed away in the afternoon of September 3rd, surrounded by family, at the age of 70 at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and a profound passion for learning. Born on August 5th, 1953, John was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Robin Clifton, for nearly 40 years, and together they raised seven children: Jeanne, Katie, Jacob, Abbie, Ashley, and Justin. His eldest son, Nicky, predeceased him. John's dedication to his faith was unwavering. He served as a priest of the Church of the CEC, providing guidance and spiritual support to his congregation for many years. His commitment to his faith touched the lives of countless individuals. As priest and pastor Fr. John lived the gospel he preached. His life and ministry was dedicated to bringing the presence of Christ to all, especially those with the greatest needs. In addition to his role as a priest, John was the driving force behind the Prince of Peace homeschooling enrichment program, where he nurtured the minds and hearts of young learners, instilling in them a love for education and a sense of purpose. John was a dedicated scholar who held a degree from Moody Bible Institute, a Bachelor of Arts in History from Trinity College, and a Masters in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His passion for history and theology enriched his life and the lives of those around him. Throughout his life, John was an avid reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. His favorite genres included fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, and he often shared his passion for these books with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Robin, six children, his sisters Jean and Becky, and his beloved grandchildren: Richard, Peyton, and Ava. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. A memorial service will be held in honor of John Clifton at Rise Church (formerly Church of the Holy Spirit) in Portland, Maine on Saturday, September 16th at 2pm, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his remarkable life and the lasting impact he had on all of us. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the African Mission Fund. https://www.cec-na.org/.../cec-missions-and-development/ John Clifton's legacy of love, faith, and a thirst for knowledge will continue to inspire and guide those he leaves behind. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life touched so many with warmth and wisdom.