Mr. Clare Benedict McCormick

Mr. Clare Benedict McCormick passed away on December 10, 2008. Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Langley Funeral Home in Langley, BC.Our precious husband, father, Papa, Uncle Buddy and Friend was taken away much too soon. He was a wonderful person and many looked up to him as a role model. He is survived by his loving wife Aileen, cherished daughters, Janice (Gary) and Gwenn (David), grandsons Lucas and Jordan, his five sisters, Terry, Anne (Dick), Clara, Rita (Harold), Agnes (Ross), brothers Frank, and Wayne (Doreen) and many nieces and nephews. His father Neil Dan in 1991, his brother Chris in 1993, and his mother Solveig Marie in 2007, predeceased him.Clare was born in Wapella, Saskatchewan, the second eldest of nine children born to Neil Dan and Solveig Marie McCormick. During the war he joined the service as a boy soldier at age 14. After the war, he re-enlisted on December 13, 1948 in the Artillery and was stationed in Shilo, Manitoba. He and Aileen married on September 2, 1950, and Janice and Gwenn were born in 1951 and 1952. The military took the family to Gagetown, NB, Germany and then back to Winnipeg and finally to Shilo, Manitoba where Clare retired in April 1971 with the rank of Warrant Officer. In retirement Clare succeeded in opening his own nightclub downtown Vancouver, called the Thunderbird Cabaret, which he proudly owned and operated from 1971-1975. Many a happy and fun family function was held here!Clare was a meticulous soldier, and proud Canadian veteran. He was also a master of all trades. Cars and all electrics were kept in good running order, and all knives were sharply honed.Aileen and Clare spent their retirement years travelling throughout North America and Europe, including several cruises with family and friends. Every member of our family, and extended family, knew of his pride in his Scottish heritage. He and Aileen made several trips to Scotland to research the family history.He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially his loving wife, and soul mate of 58 years, Aileen, his daughters Janice and Gwenn, his son-in-laws, Gary and David, and his two grandsons, Lucas and Jordan, who shared a loving and special relationship with their beloved Papa Buddy. Rest in Peace sweet, sweet Clare