Cleve went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on February 26, 2016. The only child of Joseph and Verdie Maurer, Cleve was born on May 16, 1919, in Hugo, Oklahoma. His early childhood was spent on his parents’ cattle ranch, an experience he so thoroughly enjoyed, he dreamed of one day owning his own ranch. When he was 10, the family moved to Newhall, Southern California. In 1941, impatient to get in on the action of World War II, Cleve headed to Canada and enlisted in the RCAF. He earned his wings in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and was assigned to #124 Ferry Squadron, flying across Canada.
A flight to Halifax led to a meeting with Mae, his future, wife, who was finishing high school. An engagement soon followed and they were married in Montreal in June, 1943. Soon after, Cleve transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps. Their first home was in Phoenix, Arizona, where Cleve served as a test pilot at Luke Field. After the war, Cleve and Mae returned to Newhall, California, with their first born son Jack. Two more sons followed, Mark and Douglas. Cleve was a tool and die maker by trade, but his work career also included firefighting with the Los Angeles County Fire Department as well as long distance truck driving. Hobbies were hunting and fishing and auto racing on a midget track.
In 1969, Cleve fulfilled his dream of becoming a cattle rancher, buying a ranch in the beautiful Bulkley Valley. Cleve and Mae relocated to BC with their youngest son Doug and with great gusto faced the challenges of ranching without electricity or running water. The stories of their adventures and misadventures were many but Cleve and Mae maintained they were some of the happiest years of their lives. In 2001, they moved to Victoria to enjoy a well-earned retirement. With great enthusiasm, they adapted to their Oak Bay condo and just as happily, fitted into their new church family at Oak Bay Gospel Assembly. Cleve’s passing, although anticipated, was a blow to everyone whose life he touched. Cleve was a man of integrity, warmth and humour; to know him was to love him. Left to mourn is his loving wife Mae (married 72 years), Jack (Eva) of Los Angeles, Mark (Judy) of Telkwa and Doug of Victoria. Three grandchildren: Alexia, Keely and Andrew, three step grandchildren and several step great grandchildren.
McCall’s will conduct a graveside service at Royal Oak Burial Park on Thursday, March 3rd at 11:00 am and a memorial service will be held at Oak Bay Gospel Chapel on Thursday, March 3rd at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Coastal Missions or the Victoria Hospice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Tom Kirk
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Elton / Karen Krenzler Dear Mae and Family
Our hearts go out to you at this time. We only knew Cleve for such a few short years. But we are richer for it. Praying for you all as you move through the next days and weeks as you adjust to this new phase in your lives. For Cleve all is well but I know you will miss him.
Elton and Karen Krenzler
So very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I’ve missed the visits we used to have, when you’d have Lexy cut your hair! Lexy passed on Feb.2013. Keep his spirit alive in your heart, and a smile upon your face….for the time you were able to share. Tom Kirk, now in Osoyoos.