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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.