Clifford

Clifford
An Autobiography

Clifford Clarke made a mark on Victoria with his restaurants, The Coach and Four, the McPherson Seafood and Steakhouse, the King's Den restaurant and Black Prince Catering Company, at the Queen Victoria Inn, on Douglas Street. He went on to open the Red Barn Antiques in Royal Oak, and later the Cobble Hill Country Furniture Store in Cobble Hill village.

A lover of the theatre, Cliff was involved in the Langham Court Theatre, McPherson Theatre, and often entertained in his own restaurants. He directed major productions throughout the city including Smockey Night for the Mother's March of Dimes, Black Face Minstrel Shows for the Junior Solarium League of Victoria, and then went on to establish the Mill Bay Country Music Festival.

Cliff and his wife Barb were happy with life in Pine Lodge Farm, their Mill Bay dream home, when tragedy struck. In a horrific accident, a drunk driver killed Barb and left Cliff a paraplegic. That single moment changed Cliff's life forever.

Rather than wallowing in bitterness Cliff found new faith in God. Rising up from a bed of pain Cliff put his energy into building a memorial garden for Barb that has been the beautiful and serene setting for numerous weddings. He hosts musical productions, story telling and drama in Toad Hall a theatre he built in Pine Lodge Farm's former horse barn. A member of a BCPA support group he often hosts gatherings at his home.

Lymphoma is Clifford's most recent challenge. He is standing in faith through the battle and he wants to leave this book as a legacy to his children, family and friends. Have faith. Never give up.