CYNTHIA CLAIRMONT, DEC. 16, 1951 ~ DEC. 19, 2020

It is with great sadness that Cynthia Anne Clairmont, of Gravenhurst, passed away peacefully last night, Dec. 19, 2020 — three days after her 69th birthday.

She was surrounded by loving family, at Andy’s Place hospice in Port Carling, after a short time with cancer.

The daughter of the late Hugh and Maisie (MacDonald) Clairmont, Cyndy was born in hospital at Bracebridge on Dec. 16, 1951.

Cyndy Clairmont, 69, managed the Economy Fair Discount Store and Cyndy’s of Gravenhurst ladies’ boutique.

At age seven, on July 4th, 1959, she officially presented flowers to Queen Elizabeth II at Music on the Barge, in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

After high school, in the late 1970s, she managed the main street Gravenhurst and Huntsville Economy Fairs and owned Cyndy’s of Gravenhurst ladies’ boutique on Muskoka Road in Gravenhurst. Later, in Toronto, she was the buyer for Economy Fairs and Title Distributing across Ontario.

She retired from Richmond Hill to live the past decade with her sister, Mary Gauthier, where Cyndy invaluably worked in the home office of the Gauthier Group Homebuilders/Real Estate business — notably as its undaunted IT expert.

She was never afraid of technology — and also enjoyed TV news and going to the YMCA to exercise.

Cyndy was very much her own strong, modern, independent, caring woman — with a wonderful sense of humour.

She also enjoyed the love of family and close friends at the many holiday get-togethers at the Clairmont family home on Bay Street; and later at her new shared home on Lake Muskoka with lots of good food and laughter.

To the end she always had such a positive outlook on life. Everything was always “good.” Her pleasant personality shone.

She will be deeply missed by her many relatives and great friends who enjoyed and benefited from her generous, giving spirit.

Cyndy’s life is a true loss.

She is survived by her sisters Mary Gauthier (late Bob) and Chris Jones (Graham), and brothers Paul (Susan Halliday) and Mark (Lois Cooper) and their families who will miss her tremendously.

Also especially loved by her nieces Kristin Budney (Jason), Amanda Jones and Shannon Clairmont (Rob Chorny), and nephews Robert Gauthier (Erin) and Jonathan Jones (Rachel).

But most particularly by her great-nephews Brody and Garret Budney and Bobby Gauthier, who she adored and for whom “Aunt Cyndy” was likewise dearly loved and will be sadly missed. They were the joy of her life and made her life complete.

Following Cyndy’s cremation, a celebration of her life will be held later in 2021.

In memory of Cynthia Clairmont, her family would appreciate donations to Andy’s House, Hospice of Muskoka, in Port Carling, where she received the best of final care.

Enjoy the holiday and please stay safe.

— With thanks,  Cyndy’s loving, appreciative family.

On Saturday, July 4, 1959, seven-year-old Cynthia Clairmont presented a bouquet of wild flowers to Queen Elizabeth II during a Royal tour visit in Gravenhurst and brief concert at Gull Lake Park, attended by the largest crowd ever in Gravenhurst.
Prince Philip beams as Cyndy is presented to Queen Elizabeth II, July 4, 1959, on the podium where her majesty visited during her first official Royal tour of Canada.
Cyndy peers out from behind Gravenhurst Mayor Wanda Millar, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the dais during the Royal visit and opening of the new Music on the Barge July 4, 1959.
Seven-year-old Cyndy practises her curtsy before meeting the Queen, under the admiring eyes of brother Mark, left, sister Mary and brother Paul, at the Clairmonts’ Bay Street home in late spring 1959.
Cyndy and her brother Mark at Muskoka Sands, Aug. 31, 1963, with American trumpeter Buck Clayton, who nicknamed her “Miss Potato Chip.” Clayton was one of many jazz greats who played with Cyndy’s father, Hugh Clairmont, who was also a great Muskoka trumpet player and renowned journalist.