CPO1 Dave Bliss MMM
Fleet CPO
Formation CPO CJCRG
Served 1977-2025
LCdr (CPO1) Dave Bliss was born in Toronto in 1960. He was a Cadet for 4 years before joining the RCN in 1977 at age 17 as a RCN Weapons Underwater Technician, then a Naval Weapons Technician and finally as a CAF Senior Appointment .
He served in the regular force until 2014 after 37 years of service. He joined the Cadets organization in 2014 until his passing in Oct 2025. Dave had accumulated a total 48 years of service for his country with decades of those at sea or deployed. Dave as a CPO1 held that rank for 17 years and as Chief Petty Officer for 30 years. He was known as an consummate sailor and technician. As a senior NCO and Officer we was an outstanding leader and mentor.
He will be greatly missed by his family. He was Married to the love of his life, Laurel for 39 years. He is survived by his children Erandi (Jadon), Ashley (Adam) and Logan (Elizabeth) and grandchildren, Finn, Everlee and Indiana.
He Served at sea in HMC Ships Terra Nova, Qu Appelle, Yukon, twice in Restgouche, Huron, Algonquin, Regina, Winnipeg and two tours at Sea Training Pacific.
His milestone appointments include Coxswain of HMCS Winnipeg, Fleet Chief Pacific and Formation Chief Cadets and Canadian Junior Rangers Group. He was also proud of service as Cornwallis Recruit Instructor and his UN deployment to Cambodia.
His shore postings included a Key Appointment as the DGNPR Chief in Ottawa, Career Manager in Ottawa, DMMS Ottawa, Naval Engineering Unit Pacific, FMF Cape Breton, Formation Ammunition Inspector and MARPAC HQ trials Chief.
Dave and Laurel loved to travel and hike. They competed the West Coast Trail, the French Camino and Dave completed the Portuguese Camino.
Rest In Peace Dave, you were the best of shipmates.
Memorial Service
Place: C&POs Mess, 1575 Lyall Street, Esquimalt
Date: Friday, November 21
Time: 1100 hrs – NLT 1600 hrs
Dress: DEU 1A (medals) or equivalent for speakers / Appropriate civilian attire
Catered, no host bar
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Bliss” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Charles Turcotte
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Alexandra Son Thank you for showing me what right looks like, and how to recognize it. Many mentors have supported me since I first met you–but you are the one who taught me the impact a good mentor can have on a life.
Thank you for being the best Chief and the best coffee buddy. I do not take those times for granted. You leave the greatest legacy–and it is an honour and a privilege to know you.
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Wyn Fournier One of the only instructors I remember from my basic training in Cornwallis was Master Seaman Bliss. He was an imposing man, very professional, and very fair. He didn’t hesitate to correct you when you were in the wrong (and you were often in the wrong as a recruit!). If you earned praise from him, you definitely deserved it. Despite only being in contact with him for 5 or 6 weeks of my course, he left a lasting impression that I carried with me for my whole 33-year career.
I send my sincere condolences to his family. May your memories of him in life sustain and comfort you in the time to come.
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BGen (retd) Dave Cochrane I had the distinct pleasure of working with Dave at CJCR. Dave was a consummate professional who I had the utmost respect. A highly regarded leader who was compassionate and who set an outstanding example for COATS, cadets and JCR members. You will be missed my friend. Your life ended way too early. Sincere condolences to Laurel and family.
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Mike Knippel Laurel and family please accept all my love and thoughts in these times. It was an honour to be part of today’s service. Chi Chi was smiling, I think.
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LCdr Pamela Audley I worked closely with CPO1 (LCdr) Bliss throughout my time in the cadet program. One very special memory is when he was the CPO1 for the Senior Officer Training Course in Ottawa – 2020. We worked side by side many of the days and I would always ask him the ‘hard’ questions. He was never at a loss for words and would offer up such knowledge and wisdom. His insight and mentorship has stayed with me to this day. He drove me to the airport as the world was beginning to shut down due to COVID. He chuckled when he saw how much luggage I had and said…..yup a true LCdr!!! Rest in peace my friend…
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Pat Rizzo Laurel, Dale, and all those touched by David.
Dave was a mentor who became a trusted friend. His encouragement helped me become who I am today. I am grateful for every conversation, every lesson, and every moment he shared. He will always be in my heart.
Rest easy, we have the watch.
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RAdm(ret'd) Jennifer Bennett I had the honour and privilege of working with “the Chief” in several capacities over the course of our careers and saw his incredible impact as a leader and Champion for those who needed an advocate. He was at his best in his role with junior sailors and cadets where he had such a positive impact and direct influence. Whenever we met, his sly smile and the way he would greet me with a “Ma’am” even after I retired, was kind of our “secret handshake”. He was always “Chief” to me and I appreciated our special bond through the RCN and the cadet programs.
He leaves behind an incredible legacy of leadership, dedication and positive impact on the lives of so many members and officers of the RCN, as well as cadets, officers, and volunteers within the cadet programs who considered him a mentor and achieved greater potential because of his support and encouragement
Members of the Navy League of Canada across the country join me in sending our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Dave’s family and friends and offer our support.
Rest in Peace “Chief”, we have the watch.
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Emelia Howe Rest in peace, Chief, and my condolences to your family.
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Kevin Dandurand My thoughts are with The Bliss Family during this difficult time. Thank you, Sir, for your leadership and dedication, you will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.
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Lee Tucker Chief Bliss, I was deeply saddened this morning to learn of his passing, and my thoughts are with his family.
What’s to say about the Chief that we aren’t all already well aware of. His extremely cool headed attitude in everything he did was absolutely unmatched. Teaching you something you didn’t know before and have trouble grasping? Level. Getting told off for something you know you shouldn’t have done? Level. The tone, the language he used when delivering your comeuppance, always resonated internally and you would feel like a complete fool. His humor? Purposefully understated. Half the time you wouldn’t know if he was joking or completely serious; but as you got to know him more, you would realize most of the time it was somehow both.
He was always someone you could count on you help you through professional or personal issues, He would listen with such composure and presence, you knew you were generally heard and understood, and if for some reason you didn’t, his response certainly would confirm that.
I would imagine the number of youth and young leaders Chief Bliss has profoundly influenced is immeasurable, but the impact he has had is undeniable, He leaves behind a world made meaningfully and thoughtfully better.
Chief, Thank you for your service, Thanks for listening, thanks for the wisdom you shared, and the countless ways you made a difference.
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Gillian Metcalfe It is impossible to put into words, the profound impact that LCdr Bliss has had on those fortunate enough to know him.
His kindness and compassion were evident in how he sought to bring out the best in others and in the concern for their well-being he demonstrated. I appreciated when he would take the time to stop by my desk to offer insight that would help expand my perspective and set me up for greater success.
While he has left this world far too soon, he has left this world a much better place.
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andrea newton LCDR Dave Bliss: SIR:
There are no words that can adequately give proper acknowledgement to the positive and lasting impact you have made to so many whilst crisscrossing your life’s journey.
Heartfelt thoughts are first to your family, this tremendous loss is shared by many. The news was of a piercing blow to our hearts and we will feel the bruise for a long time.
How privileged we all were to be in your company, be it personal, military, or business.
With due respect, you embodied so many traits and characteristics we can only hope to aspire to, kindness, gentle, consummate professional, fair, to the point with no sugar coating, but with soft edges.
It was a honor to work with you during your time at Vernon CTC to provide supports to the cadet instructors so they may work at a level that matched your commitment to the program.
We will hold high your torch, we will not fail you, or let you down, otherwise the nudge we will feel directing us back in the right direction, we will know is from your pacestick.
Go easy on the troops above, and how fortunate they are now to have you in spirit.
Thank you, Sir, to have known you, albeit only a brief time, but the impact will last forever.
When we finally get out sailing, and the sails are perfectly trimmed and we are “in the groove” we will think of you!
SGT (ret’d) Andrea Newton, CAF, & Army Cadet League of Canada, BC Branch
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Marina The most inspirational leader, brother of arms, friend, colleague!
I am still speechless about his death!
RIP Dave!
Merci pour tout!
Marina
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Lorne Carruth, Cdr(ret'd) CPO1 Bliss was Fleet Chief when I took over Coastal Division.
I fondly remember going to a reception at the Admiral’s Residence, where I was able to introduce my wife to him.
Me: “Chief Petty Officer Dave Bliss, please let me introduce my wife, Judy Carruth”
Dave: <> “Ma’am”
Judy: “Oh Hello Dave, please call me Judy”
Dave: <> “Ma’am”
The consummate professional; a true model of leadership and support to command, and an exceptional mentor.
Our thoughts are with the family and all the sailors, officers and cadets who were enriched by his influence.
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Trevor Thompson I met CPO Bliss as a young officer, while doing my BOQ, he was an amazing mentor and trainer. My sincerest condolences.
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Christine Allen Rest in peace, Chief. You will be missed.
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Noor Chasib My time with you was short but the impact you’ve had on me has lasted to this day. We crossed paths in Vernon in 2016, when you were the RSM of the camp, and that time shaped my understanding of leadership in ways I still carry with me. It was a profound honor to learn from you every day and I am so grateful for the lessons you shared so freely. I only wish I had stayed in touch. Thank you for everything, Chief.
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Paul Helston Dave we first crossed paths in 1982 and aboard HMCS Restigouche. Over the years you were a very good friend and an outstanding leader and mentor to so many sailors and cadets. Outside of work we enjoyed time together hiking the Portuguese Camino, exploring the battle fields and cemeteries of northern France. Closer to home we enjoyed hiking all over Vancouver Island including the West Coast Trail with Laurel and other trail buddies. You will be missed by many, RIP shipmate.
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HCol Steven Deschamps I was very saddened to hear of the passing of CPO1 Dave Bliss. I had the privilege of working with Dave when he served on the RCSU Command Team. He was an honourable man whose integrity, leadership, and calm guidance made a lasting impact on everyone around him.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and shipmates. His loss is felt across our community, and he will be remembered with deep respect.
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John Metcalfe One of the things I’ll always remember about Dave was his quiet strength and his unwavering care for people. He had this simple habit—always carrying a cloth handkerchief—that somehow said everything about him: prepared, thoughtful, and ready to help.
In meetings, Dave was the person who truly listened. He didn’t just hear words; he understood the intent behind them. And then, with that calm Chief voice, he’d ask the questions that mattered most: ‘So what of that?’ or ‘What’s the value proposition?’ It wasn’t about challenging for the sake of it; it was about making sure that what we did had meaning, that we shifted our lens to understand the bigger picture and understood the impact of our ideas at the cadet Corps and Squadron level. Dave never lost sight of our centre of gravity; the cadets.
That was Dave: compassionate, practical, and deeply committed to those we lead. His example reminds us that leadership isn’t loud; it’s caring, it’s listening, and it’s asking the right questions.”
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Randy Naylor Dave we sailed together for years on Restigouche, deployed to Cambodia and even worked together at the Legislature. To say I was shocked to hear about your passing is an understatement. You were a great sailor and even a better person. My condolences to the family, we have all lost a good man.
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Chris Pittens I was very sad to hear of LCdr Bliss’s sudden passing. I feel lucky to have been able to spend some time with him during his time as the CJCR FCWO. His wisdom, experience and passion were immediately evident with everything that he said and did. My deepest condolences go to his family and friends during this very difficult time.
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John Haggis Laurel and the Bliss family: I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I was fortunate to sail with him when he was COXN in HMCS WINNIPEG and worked with him on the CANFLTPAC staff. He led with courage and commitment, and his positive impact shaped many careers, mine included. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Dan Legault Your excellent mentorship and unwavering dedication to the cadet program have left a lasting impact on myself and everyone fortunate enough to learn from you. Your guidance, leadership, and commitment shaped countless futures and you will be dearly missed by many. Thank you for your service and your inspiring example. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Fair winds and following seas Dave.
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David Pigeon My most sincere condolences. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Lieutenant-Commander Dave Bliss. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Group left an enduring impact, not only on our Organization, but on me personally. I feel truly fortunate to have had the chance during the recent FCWO Change of Appointment ceremony to thank him in person for his invaluable contributions, highlighting how impressive it was to witness how he would always provide a sound perspective to every situation and offer wise counsel. His passion was evident in every interaction, and it was inspiring to watch how effortlessly he connected with our cadets and staff cadets, making them feel respected and at ease. “Chief” Bliss was a remarkable role model for all who had the privilege to work alongside him. I am honoured to have witnessed his commitment to shaping future leaders and strengthening our programs. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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Terry Price Laurel and the Bliss family Susan and I send our deepest heartfelt condolences. I worked with Dave in CFRS Cornwallis. He was an outstanding sailor and person!
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Cavel Shebib I first got to know Dave when he was my Career Manager many years ago and was fortunate enough to work with him as a fellow mentor at the NCM Leadership College, and I would see him at Cadet Events here in St Jean. A fantastic leader. We have lost one of the good ones for sure. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
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CPO1 (Rtd) Todd Kelly / FCPO NR 2020-23 Laurel, I am sorry for you and your family’s loss of your lifelong partner. Dave and I met/ sailed in Algonquin as young-ins, and then reconnected ‘many’ years later near the end of our careers. He was always firm but fair and challenged the institution to be better. I offer my condolences amidst the many sailors who benefited from his POV that crossed his wake. Although I do not know his outlook outside of uniform, I believe he was an avid supporter (nee, fighter) for those around him without fail.
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Amelie Corneault To the Chief’s family, I send you my deepest condolences. Chief Bliss has made an impact on so many lives, mine included. He managed to remember details that could have seen trivial to make sure I felt seen and heard. Bon vent, bonne mer Chief.
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Harold Askew Dave, I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. Your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impact on me and to all who had the privilege of working and sailing alongside you.
We crossed paths a number of times in our careers and those memories I will cherish forever.
Fair winds and following seas Dave.
Harry.
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Robert Ferguson My deepest condolences. I am truly shocked—I always believed there would be more time for conversations with my good friend. I first served with Dave in Restigouche, where, as a young subbie, his mentorship helped shape the leader I would become. Later, in Winnipeg, we served together again as part of the command team, sharing the highs, lows, and the richness of those responsibilities.
I will always remember his fearlessness, his sense of humour, and his unwaveringly human approach to even the most challenging situations. One memory stands out: Dave was the only one to volunteer to be dangled from a Sea King helicopter and dragged through the ocean along the length of the ship for charity—while the Ship’s Company cheered on “Chuck Norris!” That was Dave: bold, spirited, full of life, and kind to a fault.
I regret that I will never have the chance to raise a glass with him in Jamaica and share those stories, as I had always promised. But I will keep his memory alive in me, and his family will always be welcome at our hearth. One love, Robert and Shanaga.
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Gerard Buckley To Laurel and The Bliss Family, My thoughts are with you at this time of personal loss and may your memories live on in eternity. I met Dave first as CPO1 at RCSU Pacific and again many times as Formation Chief at CJCR. There is no finer man that I have met who was dedicated to his country and the youth of Canada for over 48 years. I personally thank your family for your his sacrifice and dedication. The world will be a lesser place without Dave Bliss. May he Rest in Peace. Gerard Buckley, Board Member, The Army Cadet League of Canada
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Lisa zezza Please accept my deepest condolences for your great loss. He was a force to be reckoned with and an absolute pleasure to work with. This community will be a lesser place without him. Most, most sincerely,
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David Hampson Dave you will be missed, thankyou for your outstanding mentorShip and outstanding leadership as a Snr nCO and a naval weapons technician. Fair Winds and Following seas Chief, til we meet again.
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Rick Laker Dave it was awesome to sail with you and know this tattooed person
It was an amazing career you have led, sooo many sailors looked up to you. Missed absolutely…. Rest In peace NEVER FORGOTTEN
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Mark Stark Your friendship and mentorship were the greatest of gifts. I will always hold close our 0730 talks and your advice. We have the watch, fair winds and following seas Dave.
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Mike Feltham Fair winds my friend. My deepest condolences to the family
CPO Bliss was my introduction to CAF. What a intro. Have memories of my time in Cornwallis and he was most of them.
RIP Chief