July 1, 1927 - March 1, 2025
In loving memory ~
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Cliff Syme on March 1, 2025, peacefully at home with family.
Born in the Chemainus Hospital on July 1, 1927, Cliff remained a life-long resident of the community.
Growing up on Maple Street near his grandfather, Bill Horton's waterfront home, from his earliest recollection, Cliff enjoyed his favorite summer pastime of swimming and boating with family and friends.
Cliff's first jobs as a teenager were helping at Howe's Butcher Shop, and as a mechanic's helper (grease monkey) at Bob McBride's Standard Oil service station south of town.
During the late 1940s, Cliff began working for MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. as a grade shovel/excavator operator at their Copper Canyon Division. This next led him to operating heavy equipment during construction of the Crofton Pulp & Paper Mill. With the pulp mill start-up in 1957, he was hired as an apprentice electrician. Cliff retired from the mill in 1985 as electrical department supervisor.
As a young boy, Cliff developed a keen interest in aviation, which steered him to joining Air Cadets and later becoming an early member of the Nanaimo Flying Club at the Cassidy Airport. It was during this time he began dating Doreen Palmerley of Ladysmith. Cliff would book time on the flying club's Cessna 140 taking Doreen on sightseeing flights and making a stop at the Victoria Airport for a 'Coke'. They also enjoyed the flying club's many social events.
Cliff and Doreen were married in April 1955 and drove to San Francisco for their honeymoon. Having built their new home on Daniel Street in Chemainus, along with their two sons (Mark & Lance), the family moved in for Christmas 1958.
Cliff supported his family in every way possible, taking his sons to community sports events, the annual family summer vacation to Penticton, and delighted in boating on local waters. Cliff was a past Commander and instructor of the Cowichan Power & Sail Squadron.
Cliff and Doreen loved ballroom dancing. Beginning with novice lessons through receiving top honors at local dance events and competitions. Eventually becoming dance instructors themselves.
They both took pleasure in golfing as well. To celebrate his 80th birthday, Cliff experienced tandem skydiving from 10,000ft.
Cliff and Doreen enjoyed vacations to the UK, California, Eastern Canada, Fiji, Hawaii, Alaska cruises, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise through the Panama Canal.
Cliff's unassuming, quiet demeanor never changed. An avid reader, he was most fond of listening to everyone's life stories and sharing his own experiences, always delighting in a great laugh. To a fault, Cliff instilled fairness at every opportunity with his kindness, caring and generosity. He will be forever remembered as both a gentleman and gentle man. Above all, his selfless devotion and love for his family.
Cliff is predeceased by his beloved wife Doreen (2022) of 67 years, his father James Syme, Sr. (1964) and mother Sophia Syme (1987), brother William (2003), brother James, Jr. (1978) and sister Cristina Dubinsky (2000). He is survived by sons Mark, Lance (Lonnie) and step-grandchildren Lindsay (Roger), Katie (Gary) and their children. Also several nieces, nephews and their families. And his breakfast-buddy Kobe.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to: E-Comm 9-1-1; Chemainus Ambulance Teams; Chemainus Urgent Care, Chemainus Lab & Imaging; CDH Emergency & Imaging; CDH 2-East & 3-East; Home Care Staff & CHWs; Home Care Nurses, and Dr. Manhas & Staff (Chemainus).
We can never enough thank each of you Folks, forever revered - our special heroes.
To every friend, neighbor, and relative for your love, caring and support we are eternally grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary.
There will be no service by request.