| Obituary - Janice Clifford (Ebontide)
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Issue: 07/07/2017
It is will much regret that I learnt of the passing of Janice Clifford who, with her husband Roger, were well known breeders of BSD Groenendael under the famous Ebontide affix, writes Elainne Wilson
Roger wrote a very fitting tribute to his wife and he said: 'It is with much sadness that I have to announce that Janice (Jan) Clifford passed away peacefully on the 15th May after an 18 month illness. It was Jan's express wish that only close family be informed and attend her funeral and only flowers from our garden be placed on her coffin. Jan's final resting place will be a natural burial site near to our home and anyone would be welcome to visit if you are in the area.
'For thirty five years Jan showed, bred and judged Belgian Shepherds and our Groenendael kennel was Ebontide. Jan's dogs produced over twenty litters and she bred many top show and agility dogs. She was top breeder for several years and she judged Belgians at specialties throughout the world in Australia, Canada, the USA, across Europe and the UK. In 2011 she was a judge at Crufts. Soon after this highlight, Jan's job became increasingly demanding and involved a great deal of travelling abroad. She eventually took the decision to withdraw from showing and breeding.
'We purchased our first Groenendael in 1978, Valson Phantom Princess (Bijou), from Val and John Thompson and she was followed by another Groenendael from Lorna and Paul England called Vanistica Boulevardier - thank you Val, John, Paul and Lorna! Jan's love affair with the Belgian Shepherd had begun and the Ebontide Groenendael Kennel was born!
'Jan imported three dogs from abroad: Kyogi du Domaine des Noirs born in 1986 from Belgium, Ch Gydo van't Belgisch Schoon born in 1992 from Holland (who had a great influence on the Groenendael in the UK), and the bitch Sultane de l'Ouchenee born in Belgium in 1994 who, together with Gydo, produced our CH Ebontide Lady in Black who in turn was the dam of seven Champions. When Jan was judging at the Paris Dog Show one year she saw the beautiful Rival for the first time and it was love at first sight. As quarantine restrictions had recently eased in the UK, Jan could now go and use dogs abroad and the litters from Jan's bitches mated to Rival and Jason produced a great many top winning Groenendaels.
'For many years Jan held a number of positions within the BSDA of GB from newsletter editor, to Secretary to Chairman. Jan played a major role in fighting the Kennel Club when they were determined to combine the four varieties in the show ring and for breeding and it is in a great part due to her efforts that the Kennel Club eventually reversed their decision.
'Jan loved our breed to the end, she was looking forward to judging at Windsor this year and East of England next year. At home there are now only two Groenendaels, Tabou and Kevin who hopefully will keep me company for the next few years
I would like to add my own personal tribute to Janice as I had known both her and Roger for many years, they were a super couple who were devoted to each other - and their dogs of course. Roger took a backseat as it was Janice who was the driving force when it came to the dogs and their partnership worked so very well. The Ebontide kennel came from small beginnings but proved to be one of the most influential kennels not only here in the UK but all over the world, their legacy will remain for many years to come.
I can remember their first import Kyogi who was the sire of their first homebred Champion, Ebontide Double Trouble, back in 1991. Many more champions followed including the present bitch CC record holder Ch Ebontide Silhouette at Groeneveld who, at almost 10 years old, is still winning - she was BOB at Bath recently. Janice was a mine of knowledge and willing shared it with others, she worked tirelessly behind the scenes for a number of years and we have so much to thank her for. She stopped showing a few years ago but still closely followed the events in the show scene and was rightly very proud of her Ebontide offspring. Janice's illness was kept quiet as was her passing, she was a private person who didn't want to burden others with her own problems and she fought tirelessly not only for her breed but also to combat her illness. Tragically she succumbed last month. Janice will be sorely missed by her friends, family and, especially, by her husband of many years Roger. Janice is no longer with us but her legacy will live on.
Rest In Peace Janice
