Clifford Beavan Henderson

October 31, 1926 – February 24, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Clifford B. Henderson. Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Elaine; sons Mark (Kathy), Paul (Irene), Brad (Mary Jane) and Brent (Karen), grandchildren Michael, Graham, Sarah, John, David and Christopher. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Cliff was born and raised in Vancouver. He met the love of his life, Elaine, while delivering newspapers in high school. A graduate of Lord Byng High School (1944) and UBC (1948) he headed east to the University of Toronto to study medicine. While they were living in Toronto Elaine and he were married in 1950 and their first son Mark was born there. They moved to Kelowna in 1954 where Cliff started practicing medicine. After having twin boys Cliff and Elaine moved back to Toronto in 1958 to begin his specialty training. In 1961 they returned to Kelowna and Cliff became the Okanagan Valley’s first pediatrician , built their new home which they lived in for 57 years and had their fourth son. A true Kelowna medical pioneer, he practiced full time until 1992. After retirement he ran the continuing medical education program at the Kelowna General Hospital until 2006. In recognition of his contributions to medical education in Kelowna the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) medical school library at the Kelowna General Hospital was named after him in 2010.

Cliff contributed to the community outside of his profession. He was a school board member from 1963 to 1971 which was challenging with a young family and a busy practice. However, his longest lasting contribution was in co-founding and developing the Okanagan Neurological Association, now known as the Starbright Children’s Development Centre. Cliff was instrumental in building an organization that today services special needs children throughout the region. For his work in this area he was recognized in 2015 by the BC Association for Child Development and Intervention with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Golf was a passion Cliff enjoyed for most of his life. A member since 1954, Cliff spent many enjoyable days at Kelowna Golf and Country Club. All of his low rounds and hole in ones occurred at the club. He was grateful to be able to play well into his late eighties.

A warm, wise and compassionate man Cliff’s legacy will live on thru his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Kelowna General Hospital, Royal Building, Floor 4B and the Central Okanagan Hospice House for guiding Cliff through the last chapter of his life.

A private family interment will take place at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, 1297 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Starbright Children’s Development Centre, 1546 Bernard Ave, Kelowna in memory of Dr. Henderson.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299