City Dedicates Lt. Col. Clifton Centre

It's been known for many years as the "Rec Centre", but the facility on 6th Ave NE in Swift Current was at one time the home of the Swift Current Armouries, and the 14th Canadian Hussars regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Iver Clifton was the final commanding officer of the regiment, and the building that served as the headquarters now bears his name. He was joined by his family, friends, dignitaries and the public for the dedication ceremony of the Lt. Col. Clifton Recreation Centre on Friday.

Full interview with Lt. Col. Gerry Carline

"As an officer, he was outstanding," said Lt. Col. Gerry Carline, who has been friends with Iver for 50 years and spoke at the ceremony. "Being a commanding officer, you need to provide leadership and details of operations, and proper orders, and make sure everything works, because when you're commanding a regiment and if you're going to go into battle, the soldiers have to be well-trained, so he was very good at doing all of that stuff."

First opened in 1954, the armouries were the headquarters of the Hussars until the regiment disbanded in 1968, and the building has provided some very good memories for Lt. Col. Clifton's family.

Full interview with Lt. Col. Clifton's wife Glennis

"One really exciting thing for myself was when we got married," Iver's wife Glennis said. "They put me on the tank in my wedding gown, and drove me up 4th Avenue on the tank. Iver got up on the tank and took a salute with his sword. There has been many happy occasions in this building because of his work, and the number of good friends I've made because of Iver."

Glennis added it was a sad day for Iver when the regiment disbanded and the armouries closed forever.

"I have a picture of him turning the lock on the door to say, 'it is now closed and officially over.' That was very hard on him, and me as well."

In addition to his time with the Armed Forces, Lt. Col. Clifton was a founding member of the Swift Current Emergency Measures Organization, Past President of the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce and Royal Canadian Legion Branch #156 and has also served as Aide-de-Camp for three Lieutenant Governors in Saskatchewan. Now 82 years of age, he is currently a member of the Swift Current Shrine Club and Masonic Lodge, and is a member and organizer of St. John's Ambulance.