Obituary of Brother Clifford Bringleson

The Congregation of the Resurrection announces the death of Brother Clifford Andrew Bringleson of Resurrection Manor, Waterloo, Ontario on December 30, 2012. He was in his 82nd year and 61st year of religious life. Brother Cliff is predeceased by his parents Clifford and Marjorie (nee Obermeyer). He is survived and lovingly remembered by his sister, Florence Cooper (Donald, deceased), brother, Fred (Laura) and sister Kathy Mitchell (Arthur). Lovingly remembered by Michael Cooper (Michelle), Patricia Cooper, Donna Marie Traina (James), Gary Holland (Marlene), Peter Bringleson, Father Paul Bringleson of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-The Pas, Manitoba, Colleen Mitchell, Teri Mitchell-Lunn (Trevor), Alison Flus (Trevor) as well as many other great and great-great nieces and nephews. Brother Cliff was born on May 14, 1930, in Hamilton, ON where he received his elementary, secondary and business and commerce education. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the Congregation and professed his temporary vows on September 8, 1951 and his final vows in 1956. He spent the first seven years of his ministry in Catholic education teaching business and commerce and serving as the school bursar at Scollard Hall, North Bay. For the next 32 years Brother Cliff ministered at St. Jerome's High School, Kitchener teaching religious studies, typing and business and commerce courses. In 1981 he was named Business Educator of the Year by the K-W Chamber of Commerce and had an annual scholarship established in his name by St. Jerome's High School. In 1990, he was assigned to ministry at the Learning Resource Centre of Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, Kitchener integrating disadvantaged students into the classroom. Upon his retirement, a large crucifix was hung at the high school, acknowledging his 44 years of service in Catholic education. Brother Cliff often expressed his gratitude for the gifts of a caring and supportive family and for the call to religious life in the Congregation. He also appreciated the opportunity to "walk the walk" with thousands of students over the years, helping them to grow in their Christian faith and preparing them to live a meaningful life and engage in satisfying work. Anyone who knew Brother Cliff recognized that he was genuine, caring, loyal, dedicated and had a wonderful sense of humour. He rarely left someone without uttering his famous "Bless Yah!" Throughout his ministerial life Brother Cliff also served the Congregation in many different roles including local leader of Resurrection Manor upon his retirement. We express our gratitude to the staff at Twin Oaks of Maryhill for their dedicated care over the years. Visitation of Brother Cliff will take place at St. Mary's Church, 56 Duke Street West, Kitchener on Sunday, January 6 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at the church at 8:00 p.m. where there will be an opportunity to share memories of Brother Cliff. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7 with Father Sam Restivo, CR presiding and Father Paul Bringleson as homilist. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, with a reception to follow at St. Mary's Church Hall. Donations in Brother Cliff's memory may be made to the Congregation of the Resurrection for the care of their retired members and forwarded to 265 Westmount Road North, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G7 or arranged through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street, South, Waterloo, 519-745-8445.