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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CATON, Clive Ian (Cactus) - Unexpectedly, Clive suffered a massive stroke and slipped away early on August 18th. Clive was pre-deceased by his parents, granddaughter Stella, and sister-in-law Wendy. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Sarah (Fuller), Annika (Kim) and Caroline Mantel, niece Angela Ireland, nephew Clayton Ireland, seven grandchildren, and two grand-nephews.
Born in Portsmouth, England to LCDR Walter (Bill) and Valerie Caton, Clive grew up in a navy family - first the Royal Navy and then Royal Canadian Navy, in Portsmouth, Malta, Victoria and Halifax. He joined the RCN, attended Dalhousie University under the Regular Officer Training Plan, and graduated in 1969 with a BSc.
He grabbed an offer for pilot training, after which he was posted to 421 Squadron in Baden, West Germany flying the CF-104. He held various operational and staff positions in the CAF including Lahr, West Germany, 417 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, AB, Staff College, Toronto, and the CF-18 Detachment St. Louis, Missouri. He was promoted to LCol and took command of 421 Squadron, in Baden, West Germany in 1989, flying CF-18s. He went on to High Wycombe, England as Chief TacEval for the UKAIR Region and back to Canada to Air Command Headquarters, Winnipeg.
He left the regular force in 1996 but remained active in the Air Reserve: Project Director for the Pilot Study, CO of the Multinational Air Movements Detachment in Rimini, Italy, and Senior DS for the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course Toronto. He retired from the Air Reserve in 2008, then continued to work as a contractor for the Canadian Forces College.
Clive was able to blend his Air Force career with his life afloat. After moving to Victoria in 1999, Clive and Susan lived for 20 years on their 42' ketch, "Planet", both initially still working, and exploring the delights of the Salish Sea. He became a master at nautical repairs, and owner of way too many tools.
He loved physical exercise and was a marathoner, bicyclist, scuba diver and keen walker.
Clive had a terrific sense of humour and was happy to oblige anyone with a story, be it flying or sailing. He liked to read and thoroughly discuss ideas; he believed in acting honourably and felt things intensely.
I will forever cherish the 33 years we had together.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Naden Wardroom, 1586 Esquimalt Rd., Victoria, on November 7th, 2-4 p.m. (The Victoria Times Colonist, 26 Sep 2026)
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