It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Clifford Gilbert Vernon Hobbis on June 15, 2024 at Courtney, BC
Cliff was born on June 30, 1920 in Regina, Saskatchewan to William Parker Hobbis and Hilda Hobbis. Cliff is one of 9 children and he loved each one of his brothers and sisters and of course his Mom and Dad. Growing up during the Great Depression meant that there were times of struggle and times of creativity. From the breeding of Rabbits to opportunities for the musically multitalented children creating a band and dance, along with many other stories. Cliff loved to share the stories of his growing up years and some of the shenanigans they would get into.
Cliff’s faith in God was nurtured by his Mom and Dad in the early years of the Salvation Army. His faith was a quiet faith yet was the foundation of who he was particularly in his later years. This faith was shared with the love of his life “Sweet Marie”, Mary Esther Hobbis who he married in September 1941. They shared their life together through the hills and valleys of life and gave credit to their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for his grace and faithfulness to them over 78 years.
Cliff served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers in WW 2 and Mary waited patiently in trust that Jesus would bring him home safely. Cliff shared many stories of the near death experiences he had during his 3 years 6 months of service and always gave Jesus credit for his survival. He remained a proud Canadian Soldier until his passing.
He served as a Special Constable in the RCMP during the 50’s and did so with great pride. As part of his service in the RCMP was his time playing drums in the RCMP Musical Ride Band. In those days the band would work with the riders and horses to perform as a team for the entertainment of many. Cliff loved those days and shared many memories with all who would listen. He was proud to be in the RCMP and to serve in that way along with his Dad and other family members.
Together Cliff and Mary shared in the love for their 5 children. Arthur (Sue and family) Murray (Marion and family) Mary (Bill and family) Jackie (Darwin and Family) Patrick (and family). They were proud of each one of their children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cliff was always creating with his hands. His years of upholstery provided many with quality furniture, but it didn’t stop there. He and Mary would work together on crafts to share with others and to bring joy to many. Some of his most notable crafts were those he created from match sticks. His ukulele was one that he was exceptionally proud of. Attention to detail was his trait and it was always fun to see what he would create.
Cliff has a deep love for all children. Years ago a school for children with physical challenges located in Nanaimo BC came to Cliff looking for a soldier for their Remembrance Day Ceremony. This school is the “Let Me Be Me Foundation”. Of course Cliff was pleased to represent soldiers from abroad in this way. He fell in love with the children immediately and remained in contact with them for many years as “their” soldier. As his family, to honour Cliff we would ask that in lieu of flowers that all donations be made to the “Let Me Be Me Foundation.” of Nanaimo, BC.
Cliff with be laid to rest on July 5, 2024 at 10 am in the Field of Honor located at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens 2347 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, BC.
The Celebration of Life will follow at 1:30pm at Departure Bay Baptist Church - 3510 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
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