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
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16 Responses
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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