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Cliff STARK Obituary
Regimental #20349, 1938 - 2017
Cliff Stark passed away in Ottawa on March 15, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cliff was beloved by his family and friends and he will be profoundly missed. Cliff was born and raised from humble beginnings in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and joined the Mounties in 1958. Cliff dedicated his life to making a difference as a proud member of the RCMP for 37 years. He was a man of integrity, honour and professionalism and left his mark in the communities where he served and with the people that he served with. For much of his life, Cliff loved playing competitive basketball. He began playing in High School for the Toilers (#33) and remained a "Toiler at heart" his entire life. He recently retired from his senior men's team at the age of 76 and continued his involvement in the sport as an active referee with OVBABO up until November 2016, when his health began to decline. Cliff is survived by his loving wife Sheila J., his sons Ryan (Angela) and Rob (Paige), his grandson Logan, and his granddaughters Jamie, Emma and Chloe. Cliff's family are grateful for the care provided by the staff of the Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus, particularly Dr. Shane English, Dr. Melanie LeMay and RN James Duggan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa or the Canadian Cancer Society. A private family farewell will be held later in the Spring.
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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-233-1143
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12 Entries
Larry Proke
March 30, 2017
Dear Sheila, Ryan, Rob and families.
In February, 1958, thirty two young men became 41 Troop and commenced RCMP training at "N" Division, Rockcliff, ON. We came from various places across Canada. Cliff was an immediate "stand out" in our troop due to his physical fitness. His previous YMCA training was very evident. Many of us watched him make the speed bag "hum", while our attempts were dismal at best. He would go up and down the floor to ceiling rope without using his feet, due to his superior upper body strength. He became a personal trainer to some of us during our off duty time, and eventually I was able to "climb rope" using my hands & feet. He excelled in all aspects of our training and was always a team player. When we graduated in November of that year, we were transferred to a variety of postings throughout Canada. Periodically our paths would cross, but I never had the pleasure of serving with Cliff again. His dedication to serving his country was outstanding and I am proud to say that he was one of my inspiring role models.
Please accept my very sincere condolences and know that your grief is shared by others.
Sincerely,
Larry Proke - RCMP (Retired) Reg. #20329/O.1053
Brian Peet Ottawa
March 24, 2017
I first met Cliffy back in '83 in the Y b ball league when he was a young man of 55. Just saying that today, I had no idea, I thought he was in his late 30's or early 40's.
He lived in the Glebe, and would walk to work down Bank St past the store where I was employed. On the days where occasion required it, he would put on the RCMP red serge. He was a shining symbol of integrity, honesty and professionalism. On these days, the employees were aware of his approaching presence; our secretary would scurry to our showroom window to sneak a glimpse, hand on her heart, and fan herself with the other. Every time.
Years later Cliff's son Robbie told of accompanying his dad on such a morning commute. When stopped at the corner side street red light at Flora, a mother and child were adjacent to Cliff waiting for the light to change.Well, Cliffy would give a very gentle, sneaky,undetectable nudge to the youth, causing him to step forward off the curb. The little boy would look up incredulously, confused, befuddled,while Cliff eyes staring straight and Robbie with an undetectable smile, eyes gleaming and knowing, full of a son's love for his "serious" dad.
And that's how Cliff lived his life, and for that matter how he played the game.
Sheila, Ryan, and Robbie the sadness with time, will be a treasure of enlightening memories. What an excellent man ! Love, Pistol
Tom Hodge
March 21, 2017
One of the classiest and friendly people that I have ever known. All the best to his family.
Chris Lunardi
March 21, 2017
I first became friends with Cliff 17 years ago when we were teammates on the Wednesday night basketball ball league at the RA. I was fortunate that I got play with him and to get to know him. Cliff was a total class act!! A gentleman in every aspect. It was a privilege to have called you my friend. God bless you Cliff.
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Peter & Wendy Wagland
March 20, 2017
We enjoyed very much our short friendship with you & Cliff & your family on Otty Lake.Our condolences to you & the family for your loss. He was an exceptional man.
Joan Forbes
March 19, 2017
Cliff was an exceptional gentleman whom I was most fortunate to know and who, with Sheila, was a great comfort to me at a difficult time in my life. I thank them both immensely for their kind caring and friendship.
Bill Davidson
March 19, 2017
Sheila and family,
Emily & I are very sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. He was a great friend and lots of fun. I still remember him pulling up behind us in the cruiser near Headingley, MB, lights flashing and you sitting in our car while everyone thought I was getting a ticket. He was a wonderful "best man" at my first wedding. I did not think of asking him to wear his scarlet uniform to go with my RCAF outfit. Looking back, we were in our early 20s, it was a great time.
All our love, Bill & Emily - Toronto
Garth and Eleanor Hampson
March 18, 2017
We light a candle in memory of a very fine police officer who contributed greatly to the communities he served. Being a former resident of Moose Jaw makes us all feel that much better about Cliff's accomplishments. We send condolences to all his family.
peter Whitehead
March 18, 2017
Will always remember Cliff helping me when i was going through my own health problems two years ago but still able to work quite a few games. Cliff ended up being my partner ,chauffeur and confidente.
We will all miss Cliff on and off the court.
Peter and Dorothy
March 18, 2017
A competitive, kind, loving man, respected by all who knew him. Moose Jaw has lost another treasured asset. Barrie Day, Stony Plain, AB
Carl Faulkner
March 18, 2017
A staunch partner on the basketball court - always had my back. Thank you for the moose meat!
Patrick Dean
March 18, 2017
A class guy and an incredible athlete. Always a pleasure playing against him on the court.
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315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A2
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