Cliff Hill - 1921 - 2019

Clifford (Cliff) Hill - July 3, 1921 - December 23, 2019

Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully and on his own terms. Cliff was born to John and Jenny Hill in their home in West Vancouver, where he also grew up. 

While a student at UBC, Cliff felt the moral imperative to enlist in the Royal Canadian Navy after Pearl Harbour was bombed in 1941. After officer training, Cliff was 2nd in command on a landing craft during D Day, June 6, 1944. He served for the remainder of World War 2 before resuming studies, receiving his Bachelor of Commerce, followed by his Chartered Accountancy.

In 1951, he met the love of his life, Gerry Mitchell, while vacationing in the Cariboo. Settling in West Vancouver, they were blessed with 64 years of marriage filled with love, laughter and mutual respect. Gerry passed away in 2017. A heartbroken Cliff carried on with his usual sense of humour, until he passed, less than 1 mile from his birthplace.
His children Laurie (Tom), John and Jennifer (Michael) were so proud of their Dad, and Gramps was adored by grandchildren Trevor (Melissa), Robbie and Brian. He is also survived by 3 month old great-granddaughter Addison.
Cliff was a successful insurance broker into his early 80's. He was an avid athlete, first as a scholastic basketball player, then a 10 handicap golfer at Capilano Golf Club, where he was a charter member. In his 2nd half-century, Cliff discovered a passion for running, achieving a 3:01 marathon at age 59. He greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of his running mates in the Nomads, and loved being in motion right til the end.

Cliff was highly principled, optimistic, and loved Mother Nature. Thank you to the devoted memory care team at Amica Lions Gate.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at 3pm Friday, January 10th at Capilano Golf Club.