Clemence Ray Poff passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at the age of 92, with loved ones by his side. Clem was predeceased by his wife of 28 years, Dorothy Poff, and is survived by their two daughters: Lynn Cassidy (Neil) and Vicki Kipps (Rob); his grandchildren: Emily Walsh (Shawn), Marshall Walsh (Amanda), Katie Walsh (James), Rachel Kipps (Herman), and Carter Kipps (Christine); and his great-grandchildren: Amara, Henry, and Kaydence.
Clem is also survived by his loving partner of 29 years, Beverly Carter; her son Doug Carter (Anita); her son-in-law Brad Bryan; her granddaughters Laurie and Katie (Jesse); and her great-granddaughter Georgia. He was predeceased by Bev’s children, David Carter and Judy Bryan.
Born in Bancroft, Ontario, Clem was the son of the late William and Hazel Poff and the eldest of ten children. Members of his family continue to live in Bancroft and the surrounding area, including his brother Kevin Poff (Linda), sister Verrill Eddy (Richard), and his many nieces and nephews. Following a childhood on the family farm, Clem began working at the age of twelve, helping Mr. Chatterson on his farm and delivering papers and milk in the community. At fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, he spent his summers working 100 miles from home at the Standard Chemical Company lumber mill.
In 1950, Clem joined the local Reserves and, after passing a typing test, found work in Oshawa at the Ontario Malleable Iron Company. Looking for more adventure, Clem and a few friends traveled to Kingston, Ontario, later that year to enlist in the Army for duty in the Korean War. Though not needed for Korea, they were enlisted in the new Infantry Brigade for NATO duty in Germany. So began a successful and adventure-filled 31-year career. Throughout his military service, Clem traveled the world, lived and worked across Canada, and served on peacekeeping duties in Cyprus and Egypt. Upon retiring from the military in Victoria in 1982, he worked another thirteen and a half years as a bus driver at CFB Esquimalt.
Once Clem officially retired in 1995, he continued to enjoy time with his family, friends, and his passions of gardening and fishing—especially hosting his annual “creamy veg” event. He leaves behind an extended, loving family and many dear friends. He will be truly missed.
A Celebration of Clem’s Life and reception will be held Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, from 2:00pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC V8Y 1B4.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Poff” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Gordon Healey
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Ann Andrews My deepest condolence to Bev, Lynn and Vicky and families
I worked with Dorothy and Clem for many years and they were wonderful friends. Then a few years later Clem and Bev were by daughter’s next door neighbour.
Clem was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.
Thinking of you.
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Gord and Karen Seginowich My dad used to fish with Clem many years ago. We built a house next to Bev and Clem years later and they have always been wonderful neighbours. We were always very envious of Clem’s vegetable garden. Clem was a great friend and neighbour, we will always miss him. Our condolences to Bev and family.
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Jim and Shirley Seggie Condolences to Bev and family to Clem’s family and friends.
Always enjoyed Bev and Clem when were visiting friends in Victoria.
He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.
God Bless
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Scott Langford Our sincerest condolences to family and friends from all members of the Calgary Branch of the PPCLI Association. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him. VP.
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Jason Zdyb Our deepest condolences to the Poff Family in Clem’s passing on behalf of the PPCLI Association. May he rest in peace. We will remember him. VP
Jason Zdyb
National Vice President-Western Canada
PPCLI Association
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Herb Kenny Condolence to the family from all members of the Edmonton Branch of the PPCLI Association. Once a Patricia Always a Patricia. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. May he Rest In Peace. VP
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Raymond & Diane Chenier We’d like to extend our deepest sympathy on Clem’s passing. Clem was such a kind and caring person so he will be sorely missed. We spent many wonderful times with him on various occasions over the years. Our oldest son Timothy and Vicki & Rob all graduated together from Belmont High School. Thus our connection with him goes back many years. We will not be able to make it down to Victoria for Clem’s celebration of life but we’ll definitely be there in spirit.
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Marie Rott Oh Bev. I’m so sorry to hear of Clem’s passing. My heart & thoughts are with you as you walk this difficult path ahead without your loving partner. Sending you hugs. My condolences to you & Clem’s family.
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Barb Hedlik On behalf of Ladd and Barb Hedlik our deepest sympathies to the families. Clem was a wonderful person and will be missed His and Bev’s annual Veggie BBQ was enjoyed by all and was an event that the gang always looked forward to.
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Lisete Cabrita Lisete Cabrita
I was very fortunate to have known Clem, for many years as a friend and a good neighbour.I will always remember Clem working in is vegetable garden and offering me advice on my on garden which I very much appreciate.
Sending Condolences from me and my family
To Bev and all the family.
Rest in Peace Clem
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Kitty Maclean (Fred Maclean deceased) My condolences to the Poff family. I have very many fond memories of our time in the Guards and also on our posting to Germany. Our families would get together for meals and good times.
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Patricia Draves So very sorry to hear of Clems passing. My late husband Brian and myself were very good friends of Dorothy and Clem. Condolences to Lynn and Vicky and families.
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Barbara Randall It is with great sadness We read of Clem’s passing. We spent a couple hours with him a couple summers ago. His garden was magnificent. We were so impressed with his ability to do all the work. I think he was 90 then. We knew him and Dorothy back in Petawawa when he was in the 2nd Canadian Guards. He was a great guy, easy going and he always appeared laid back. Our condolences to Bev and all the family. Rest in Peace Clem.
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Grant Guillet I was fortunate to know Clem for many years and to be able to call Him “Friend”.
We served together in 3PPCLI and there was no finer soldier. Clem, Ralph King and
I often got together and discussed “World Affairs” and just enjoyed each others
Company. I will miss you my Friend and you will always be remembered.
Grant
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Maryann Little Please accept my condolences I will always remember Clem visiting with Bev and him.
I have special memories. Thinking of you all at this difficult time
Special hugs
Gordon James (doc) Healey
First met Clem on a 3 month Infantry Signals Course in Sep 1958. It was run by the Royal Signals in Hythe Kent, England. Clem and Tony Larkin from the Guards stationed in Werl, and Peter Denny and I from 2 QOR of C Deilinhofen, West Germany attended. There were officers and NCO’s from nearly all the Commonwealth in those days. Well over a hundred from Africa, Middle East, India-Pakistan etc. we Canadians got along well with everybody. particularly the Gurkhas. When the course ended. Clem and I drove up to attend the wedding of one of our friends who was getting married in Clackmannan in the Highlands. We then proceeded to Silgo Ireland to visit another course friend whose brother owned a pub. Fast forward a visit to Dublin, Rosslarre, Fishguard, Wales,London, Dover arriving finally in Amsterdam 2 days before Christmas where Clem had a previously arranged rendezvous. Left by train for Germany arriving Boxing Day.
P.S. just to add a personal note: When Peter Denny and I drove to England from Germany we stopped in Brussels to visit the 1958 World Fair. Little did I realize that years later I would be posted to Casteau, Belgium the birth place of my wife Cecile.
RIP CLEM
SAY NOT GOOD NIGHT BUT IN SOME BRIGHTER CLIME BID US GOOD MORNING