Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (Retired) – Royal Canadian Navy

Resident of Orleans, Ontario, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at May Court Hospice in Ottawa, on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the age of 67. Son of the late Thomas and Violet (Lilly) Matchem, was born in Gaultois, Newfoundland. Cherished and beloved husband of 38 years to Patricia (née McAndrews) and loving father of Nick (Kavee) and Chris. Dear brother of Jack (Effie); Victor (Shirley); Herbert (Frances), Ruth Priddle and Shirley (Harvey Rose). He was pre-deceased by brothers Edgar and James “Jim” and sister Charlotte Young.
Clarence and Patti were married in Halifax September 1978. They lived in Cole Harbour where they raised their 2 sons before being posted to Ottawa in 1997. Since then the family has resided in Orleans, Ontario.
Clarence joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1968 and served with dignity and devotion for 36 years. He served in numerous ships on the east coast as a Signalman/Naval communicator. Clarence served as the Chief Yeoman of Signals on Commander Standing Naval Force Atlantic staff and Sea Training Atlantic staff. He also served at National Defence Headquarters in the capacity of the Naval Communicator’s Career Manager and Branch Manager. Clarence’s final and most cherished seagoing posting was the more than two years he served in HMCS TORONTO as the ship’s Coxswain. After his release from the navy, Clarence spent another 10 years proudly serving his country as a member of the Federal Civil Service where he was Organization & Establishment Coordinator, Directorate Information Management Technology Support, National Defence. Clarence retired in 2016, after 46 years of loyal and dedicated service to Canada. Since his retirement he enjoyed a quiet life with his family and was an avid Senator’s fan. He loved woodworking. With his calm demeanor and logical outlook he will be forever missed by his loving family and many friends. Great appreciation is extended for the kind support of the staff at May Court and Dr. Vincent. A world of thanks to Wally and Mary Woodward for their loving care and compassion, in his time of need. Heartfelt thanks also to Pat Laming, Audrey De Ruyck and Serge Joncas for being there.
Friends and family are invited to gather in the Hall of Colours of Beechwood, Cemetery Funeral and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. (east of Vanier Parkway) on Friday April 7 at 10 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 11 a.m. followed by Interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces with military honours. A reception to follow.
Memorial donations in memory of Clarence can be made to Hospice Care Ottawa, 114 Cameron Avenue Ottawa ON K1S 0X1 or to Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, 41 Empress Avenue, Ottawa ON, K1R 7E9 or charity of your choice.