CARSTENSEN: William Clifford Carstensen, better known as Cliff, was born in the Gallivan district Feb. 9, 1929. An accomplished pianist, who could also entertain for hours on the piano accordion. He spent forty years as a truck driver, quitting in 1983 due to ill health. This did not curtail his passion for automobiles. Starting in 1954 with the help of friends, Dennis Roberts and Ian Shnack, they built their first stock car, a bright yellow beauty with the number 700 boldly painted in black. They raced in Saskatoon, Lloydminster, Prince Albert, Rosetown and in the home oval in Battleford. After the stock car fever abated, Cliff used his knowledge, ability and love of vintage vehicles to restore many of them to their original condition. One prized vehicle, which he drove in many parades, took to show and shine events was his Plymouth. Most of his restored vehicles had names, one was Hafford Helen, it was located sitting in a slough about 10 miles east of Hafford. Cliff and Elizabeth often shared a joke about Anastasia, his 1932 Chevy, that when he died the car would be his resting place, but first it would be filled with cement so no one would be tempted to dig it up. He was actively involved with every aspect of the service station at the Fred Light Museum, in planning and fund raising, this was Cliff's brainchild, it is indeed sad that he will not see its completion. At an appointment in Aug. of this year, when the Dr wanted him admitted to hospital, he replied that he would come for admission in two days as he could not miss the scheduled meeting of the car club regarding the service station. Cliff was an active volunteer at the Western Development Museum. A founding member of the Battlefords Vintage Car Club and a member of the Battlefords Northwest Historical Society. He was admitted to Battlefords Union Hospital the evening of Sept. 23 after he had spent a full afternoon doing his usual visit to the building site of the service station. A Service of Thanksgiving was held Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Third Avenue United Church with Rev. Frances Patterson officiating. The Honourary Pallbearers and Honour Guard were The Battlefords Vintage Auto Club and Pallbearers were Harold Johnson & Diane, Marvin Bates & Ella, Barry Grant & Pam, Fraser Noble and Alice Korpach. Memorial donations are requested to Fred Light Service Station Replica c/o: Town of Battleford, Box 40, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0 and Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8 (designated to the Palliative Care Unit). Interment followed at City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Elizabeth thanks everyone for their attendance. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. (306)446-4200 ____________________________________________________
