Clive Gerald Loader passed away peacefully at the start of Victoria’s annual flower count. He was happiest outdoors wandering in the natural beauty, enjoying the flowers, trees, and especially the butterflies and birds. Born in Burma in 1933, the youngest child of Grace and Walter Loader, Clive had a childhood surrounded by an abundance of nature. When the family had to escape to India as the war grew closer, he continued to appreciate the natural world around him. In later years he said the memories of his childhood days in Landour in the lower Himalaya would refresh his soul. He shared stories of a glade with a clear sparkling spring filled with Maidenhead ferns, of a bush covered in iridescent jewel beetles that took his breath away, and of the gorgeous, translucent blue butterflies that took flight when he approached.
In 1946 Clive moved with his family to the Isle of Man where he finished high school by correspondence. At seventeen he joined the RAF and flew fighters, but excited by the better jets that Canada had to offer, transferred to the RCAF. While stationed in Germany he met Carmel MacDonald, the love of his life, who was teaching on the base. They married in 1962 and returned to Canada a few years later. Clive served in the Air Force for his entire career and spent many years flying patrol aircraft on both coasts.
Clive didn’t stop serving after retiring from the Air Force. Through his parish, Holy Cross Catholic Church, he visited the sick and shut-ins, chauffeured parishioners to church, served on the Parish Council, and lovingly cared for the church gardens for many years. He also led ecumenical services at the Berwick House and Cedars retirement homes. Clive had numerous other volunteering activities, including serving meals at the 9-10 Club soup kitchen for almost two decades; delivering Meals on Wheels; canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and serving on the executive for the Aircrew Association. Clive will be remembered for his life of service to others.
Clive passed away on March 3, 2021 at Broadmead Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria. He is survived by his wife Carmel, his children Michael, Bonnie, Colleen, and Randy, his sister Laurel on the Isle of Man, his grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews around the world. Clive was predeceased by his son Stevie, his brother Harley, and his sisters Monica and Pam.
Clive was a wonderful husband and father and is remembered by his children and family as loving, patient, wise, and humorous. As a friend said, “Clive left the world a better place than he found it.” Clive, we all love you so dearly and will miss you daily. Please walk with us as we journey on.
The family would like to thank the Broadmead staff for their wonderful care of Clive in spite of the added pandemic stress. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a private funeral mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church followed by a private burial at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may consider a donation to the World Wildlife Fund or Broadmead Veterans Memorial Lodge. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
39 Responses
Dear Auntie Carmel and all the family,
We are saddened by Uncle Clives’ passing.
He was the most special uncle one could
ever wish for! We loved him so!
Never to be forgotten.
Love and Prayers
I know of no other colleague who was more devoted and giving of himself to Family, Church, Community and Military Service. I was honoured to serve with this outstanding gentleman and Military Officer in 404MP Sqn, Greenwood, and later in 407MP Sqn in Comox. He set the finest of example for Junior Officers, showing leadership and commitment of the highest order. Many condolences go out to Carmel and Family on this very sad loss of an outstanding citizen of Canada .
Dear Carmel,
We extend our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Clive.
Sincerely
Ann and Pat McCarthy
Dear Aunty Carmel, Michael, Bonnie, Colleen, Randy and all the family.
We are sorry for the passing of Uncle Clive. He was the dearest Uncle I could ever have wanted. His memory and legacy will be a cherished reminder to us all.
He lived an exciting life of adventure from the jungles of Burma and India to a career flying jets and patrol aircraft over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in all types of weather. He served with the Peace Keeping Forces in Vietnam helping to bring peace to the lives of people there. He loved people.
Speed was part of his life and he enjoyed watching motorcycle racing in the Isle of Man to watching Formula 1 racing cars. I fondly remember going with him to watch the U.S. Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York on one occasion which was very memorable.
We kids, always looked forward to Uncle Clive’s visits when he would fly into Toronto and stay with us. He always brought gifts for us kids and we didn’t want him to leave, but always looked forward to his return in one of the jets he flew. Family was very important to him. His oldest sister, my Mother loved him dearly and always looked out for him. May God bless you with peace at this time.
Will miss you the rest of my life. Love you so much. I hope you’re ok Auntie Carm. Sending love.
Dearest Carmel & all the family. Although you are miles away from us in the Isle of Man, you are all in our thoughts during this very sad time. Clive was a much loved brother to our mum Laurel and a wonderful uncle to all of us Downward children and we and our families will always have treasured memories of him xx
Hello Carmel and Family
Sending my sincere sympathy to you. Clive was such a nice guy. I met him many years ago at the Gordon Head Garden club where he was always welcoming. And then we reconnected when I started going to Holy Cross church. He seemed to always have a smile . He had a way of making a person always feel he cared. Yes, he left the world a better place. With sympathy, Helen Lane
Sending sympathy to you, Carmel, and family. Clive was a wonderful warm person. I will remember him as a kind and gentle man. Anne Beatty. HolyCross parish
Dear Carmel and family,
So sorry to read of your loss of Clive. He was such a fine man and did so much for others. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve his loss.Cherish the wonderful memories you all carry with you.
You are all in our loving thoughts.
With love David and Eva