Feb 2, 1914 - Feb 14, 2018
A centenarian plus four years. The world has lost an amazing, accomplished and compassionate man. An intellect, life long learner and teacher. A retired Vancouver school administrator but above all a true gentleman of integrity who loved his family, both Canadian and American, and his dogs above all else.
Born Clifford Arnold Ware on a sunny day on February 2, 1914 in Victoria to Fred and Mabel Ware. He excelled in school and sports, both team and recreational. He worked at odd jobs after school during the Depression to help support his parents. During Normal School he often went with his buddies to a cabin on Grouse Mountain; they hiked up and skied down, making two runs, one by daylight and one by the light from the coal oil lamps they wore on their belts.
He was married in 1940 on the last day of the school year. During the War, he was in the Navy, Personnel Division in Quebec. Throughout his life he skied, rode both a bike and motorcycle, loved tennis and sailed a Flying Dutchman up at Keats Island, crewed on a 34 foot sailboat for two weeks from Mexico to Florida, sailed twice in the British Virgin Islands.
He travelled extensively, enjoyed photography, music and painting. In 1999, he was one of the oldest to hike the Chilkoot Trail in the Yukon unassisted. He re-located to Williams Lake in 2000 and enjoyed the small community life and activities. Indulging in desserts at any time became his trademark. He felt honoured to attend many potluck dinners with friends.
He is predeceased by his wonderful wife Morea in 1981 (in Vancouver) and by lovely Ramona in 2001 (in Portland, Ore). He is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Maureen (Lloyd) Marshall-Wyth (Lewis) and Reith and by Shary Stephen (Ben Stephen)- Laura/ Kevin (in Boston, Mass), Diana/special WL friend Don Lecomte, and Leah, and by his great grandaughter, Marina and by his Boston, Mass great grandchildren, Nathan, Alison and Liam.
In Oregon, he is survived by his step-daughters, Patty (Carl) Van Well and Susan Biles and by his four step grandchildren, Tom, Heidi, Chris and Lauren and by his eight step great grandchildren. He is also survived by the Stephen adult children - Kim (Janet), Carmen/Nilesh (Kiran and Cole), Phil/Claire (Fergus and Hawksley), and by "Squirrel Girl", Kayoko Shinohara of Toyko. Last but not least, he is survived by his best friend, his devoted Border Collie, Val.
We would like to thank the doctors who helped him be independent for so long: Dr. Rees, Dr. Schreves and Dr. R. Engelbrecht.
We acknowledge the caring staff at Deni House where he stayed for 36 hours; your care was wonderful. He was fortunate to have many faithful inter-generational friends despite his advanced age; you know who you are. Thank-you to the wonderful care givers; you know who you are and we thank you.
Arrangements are by Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Services. There will be a private family gathering.
You will be forever in our hearts, a heart beat away.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Services