Wilford Samuel (Woop) Clifton was born 13 March 1898,
the son of George and Alice Marinda Neat Clifton, in the
small town of Dingle, Bear Lake, Idaho. The Cliftons
were called by the Mormon church to colonize the new
area in southern Alberta. In March 1901 they arrived in
Magrath with some cattle, a few household effects, and
some seed.

Wilford grew up and received his schooling in that area.
As a young man he spent several winters feeding cattle
for the McIntyre Ranching Company, and his summers
working for ranchers in the Spring Coulee and Magrath
areas.

In the fall of 1928 he purchased a quarter section of land
adjoining his brother Hyrum's land in the Shanks Lake area.
The two brothers lived and farmed together.

On March 27, 1936 Woop married Grace Gillies, daughter
of Donald and Katherine Turner Gillies of Scotland.

Grace was born 20 December 1903 in Kilmartin, Scotland,
and immigrated to the Kipp area in 1929. She made her
home with the Nicol family there. For a number of years
she taught at the Garbutt Business College in Lethbridge.

Woop and Grace built a two roomed house on Woop's land.
They lived there until they purchased more land, the
Frank Halla homestead and pre-emption in the Lens area.
They moved their house and building to this place, and
later they bought the old Shanks Lake School which
they remodelled for a home.

On August 3, 1945 they adopted a son.

Grace took a very active part in starting the Sunday School
for the United Church in Del Bonita. She was instrumental
in organizing the Del Bonita United Church, and was
treasurer from its inception in 1949 till 1955. She was
also responsible for room and board for the student
ministers at times. She served as Ladies' Aid president,
and Sunday School Superintendent. Grace was secretary
treasurer for the Home and School Association and
represented the local at provincial conventions. She
passed away May 1955, after a brief illness.

On November 27, 1959 Woop married Martha Zimmerman
Nernberg of Roblin, Manitoba.

On July 15, 1963 Woop and Martha were killed at a rail
road crossing in Regina, Saskatchewan, and were buried
in Lethbridge on July 20.

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