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 Carmel, Michael, Colleen, Randy, Bonnie and partners,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Uncle Clive, he was such a gentle caring man whom I am sorry our children didn’t get a chance to know, except through his wonderful Christmas news letters.
One story I remember him telling us as a child that has always stayed with me, was when he was flying in the forces. He had flown a transporter plane to Vietnam, and whilst he was on down time he decided to go looking for butterflies. He said he was prancing around the forest with a net having a wonderful time, but when he got back to HQ he found out that the enemy were stationed all around and he had been so lucky.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
All our love,
Carol, Tom, Sophie, and Sarah Kinrade xx
Colleen, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your Dad from your time in Ottawa. He was kind, gentle and so incredibly generous in so many ways. He no doubt touched many, many lives with all the kindness he showed to so many people. I know how much you will miss him. Hold those wonderful memories so tightly, to soothe your soul and your heart. My condolences to you Mum, brother and all of your family. xo
It was really a sad day when we heard of Clive’s passing. It was our privilege to have met him. His was one of the most welcoming, friendly, and warmest smile in the Congregation. Clive was a gift to the Holy Cross Parish Church community, and he shall be greatly missed.
To Carmel, his daughter Calleen, and to the rest of his family, allow us to share your grief in losing a loved one. You shall all be in our prayers.
Clive was a wonderful man who always put a smile on my face with his warm heart and kind disposition.
He will be missed but live forever in our hearts and warmest memories.
With Love,
Steve Hawkins & Bettina Harvey
Dear Carmel and Family
So sad to hear of your loss. Clive was a fine gentle man and a gentleman. He left the world a better place because of his contributions to one and all.
Our Sincere condolences
Vern and Ketty Pedersen
Dear Auntie Carmel, Michael, Bonnie, Colleen and Randy,
So sorry for the passing of Uncle Clive. I have so many good memories of when we all lived in Comox and then later coming to visit in Victoria. Like my sister shared, being able to put brown sugar on porridge was a big deal when we were growing up! Uncle Clive always had a twinkle in his eye and laugh in his heart! His love for God, his family and others was always evident. The first word that comes to mind about Uncle Clive is gentle.
I know this past year has been especially hard for you to be apart due to the pandemic. So many reasons to look forward to the earth made new with no more goodbyes. All our love to you at this time.
Clive was a wonderful man, the kindest friend and neighbour one could ever wish for. We have so many warm, happy memories of our time on Fieldmont and beyond.
Our love and heartfelt sympathies to you Carmel, Colleen and Michael and all the family.
Dear Auntie Carmel, Michael, Bonnie, Colleen and Randy.
Uncle Clive was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. His kind manner, his cheeky smile and his lovely sense of humour is how I remember him. We loved to visit with him and Auntie Carmel in Victoria as we got to put brown sugar on our porridge! His Christmas letters were extra special and a treat to read. Our lives are richer for knowing him. It was sweet to hear my Grandma speak of her younger brother, Uncle Clive, with endearment and adoration. We are sending much love to you all at this sad time. Xxx
Thinking of you today with much love and prayers. May God wrap his arms around you, Carmel and your family, as you adjust to a different year. Clive brought much joy, peace and laughter to everyone. God will welcome him into heaven with open arms.☺️ God Bless you today and always.
Love and hugs,
Paul and Deanna MacDonald And Family