David Myron Oliver Cliffe

June 6, 1921 – May 22, 2017

A true gentleman and good man, nearly 96, who peacefully passed away at Vancouver Hospital after a decline in his health since the beginning of 2017, and a recent fall at home, having had what he described as a “lucky” life. Dave was the last surviving child of Jack Sassoon Cliffe and Dorothy Evelyn Wheeler, and was predeceased by his loving wife Pat in 2014, whom he greatly missed, and is survived by his sons John (Mary) and Michael, daughter Wendy and grandchildren, Vanessa and Gary. He is also survived by his cousin Colleen Chalmers and sister-in-law Brenda Cliffe, both of England, and many extended family members in British Columbia, Ontario and England. Dave was born in Kolkata, India. He was raised in Camberley, Surrey, England, in humble circumstances by his mother who was then a single parent. Dave left formal schooling to take various jobs supporting his family as did his siblings. In 1939 prior to England entering the Second World War he joined the RAF as an Aircraftman. Dave served as a radio operator and air gunner flying with a number of RAF squadrons in both Bomber and Transport Commands, saw active service throughout the War in the Middle East and South East Asia and was promoted. He left the RAF in 1946 commissioned as an officer with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Prompted by meeting Pat in Montreal during the War, Dave emigrated to Canada and initially lived in Montreal working at Crown Assets and the Marconi Company. In 1949 he moved to Vancouver where he joined Canadian Pacific Airlines (later CP Air) initially as a licenced flight radio operator and later as a licenced flight navigator. In 1951 he married Pat and their home became Vancouver. Dave flew with CP Air for 23 years flying both propeller and jet aircraft on all of its international routes. During this time he trained for and became a licenced commercial pilot. As a result of computerization of the navigation function he left CP Air and flew with Transavia Holland and Pacific Western Airlines for short periods after which Dave started a successful career as a licenced real estate appraiser, which he did for over 20 years. Notwithstanding having an interesting and busy work career, Dave’s immediate and extended family always came first and whatever he could do for them he did. The same was true for his friends and acquaintances. Dave was a lover of dogs and would be seen regularly walking his dog in the neighbourhood. When his sons were boys he was active in Scouts Canada as both a Cub and Boy Scout leader. Pat’s interest in politics of various stripes meant that Dave was also out supporting various Federal and Provincial political candidates in Vancouver-Quadra. He was a devout Catholic and volunteered at Immaculate Conception parish in various capacities. When retirement set in at 75, Dave did and enjoyed many things including involvement in the Air Force Officers’ Association, Air Crew Association, and Quarter Century Club in Aviation in BC; travelling, walking, learning to play the piano, being active around his home, cooking and in particular making great curries, salads and roast beef dinners, reading about the Middle East, watching good British TV crime dramas and comedies, and cheering for the BC Lions and the Seattle Seahawks. The family thanks Dave’s GP, Dr. Alex Musial, MD, and his locums, for their care over the years, the staff at Vancouver Hospital (Emergency and 10th Floor, Centennial Pavilion) for their care during this past Victoria Day weekend, as well as members of Vancouver Fire & Rescue and BC Ambulance Service who initially tended to Dave. There will be a funeral mass and reception at 11:00 am on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Church, 3778 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or the SPCA in Dave’s name would be appreciated.