Clifford Hector Tattrie

May 10, 1938 – October 19, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clifford Tattrie (Cliff). He peacefully passed on the morning of October 19, 2021 at the age of 83.

Cliff is survived by his daughter Tanya (Mark); Grandchildren Stephanie (Amanda) and Brittanie (Kevin); Great grandchildren Jace, Isaiah, Elijah and one on the way; as well as many nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia. Predeceased by his mother Annie, father Amos and four siblings Harold, Helen, Lloyd and Annie Frances (Franny).

Cliff was born and raised on the family homestead in River John, Nova Scotia. In his early twenties, Cliff began the journey of a lifetime, hitchhiking, couch surfing and working his way across Canada, staying in many communities and working numerous jobs along the way. Eventually he landed himself in BC where he met the love of his life. In 1960, he married his late wife Sonja in Vancouver. In 1968 they went on to adopt their daughter, Tanya while living in Richmond. In 1980, Cliff and his family made the move to 100 Mile House after a job transfer where he landed his all-time favourite gig at the Stan Halcro Arena. Cliff enjoyed new opportunities from working on the railroads and the mill to cooking in camps, but working at the arena topped the cake.

If you knew Cliff, you knew he loved people. He was a kind, gentle soul with the biggest heart; “a teddy bear”. Any time you walked into the arena, Cliff was there with his big smile, friendly face and booming voice. He loved driving the Zamboni and seeing the excitement on all of the kids faces as they were about to step onto the ice. He loved being at the rink but especially to watch his daughter figure skate (and later coach), as well as his granddaughters hockey games.

Dressing up as Santa Clause was another one of his favourite things to do. It started out with just his grandchildren and then he started to bring joy to other homes for children and families during the holidays. Anytime you heard Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho” it would put a smile on your face and you knew Cliff was around the corner.

Cliff retired from his position as a Zamboni driver in 2003 at the age of 65 after working at Stan Halcro Arena for 23 years.

If you met Cliff once, you had a friend for life. He was one to offer you a ride anywhere, deliver dog food for your family pets and spend the time to sit and have a coffee with you. He loved his country music, gambling a little at the casino and relaxing in his chair but most of all, he loved his family.

We love you endlessly and will miss you always. Enjoy your last Zamboni ride, dad.

Thank you to all the nurses and care workers who supported Cliff in his final two months.