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.
38 Responses
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.