DRISCOLL, Clifford James – born May 3rd, 1951, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 14, 2021. Cliff was 70 years old. He will be missed greatly by his wife, Bonnie (O’Sullivan), his son Adam, daughter-in law, Patricia (Sarchia) , and his beloved grandsons Tyler, Gannon and Logan. He is survived also by his sister Charlotte (John), Laura and Kristy Patton, In laws; Loralee, Peter, Sylvia, Gene and Wendy Salisbury, Mary Ann O’Sullivan, Holly, Riley and Robin McGlaughlin, Janet O’Sullivan, Joseph O’Sullivan, Martin O’Sullivan, Barry O’Sullivan, Michael, Audrey and Casey O’Sullivan and many nieces and nephews.
After a challenging second battle with melanoma, Cliff had been declared cancer-free. His success was so ground-breaking that his case was to be documented in medical journals. Sadly, the treatment presented Cliff with other health challenges, but he had just begun to feel well again and was hopeful that he was through the worst.
Cliff joined the Ottawa Police Force in 1968, as soon as he turned 18. Seven years later, he became a member of the RCMP. The highlight of his career was serving two- 9 month tours under the auspices of UNIFOR in Croatia to help re-establish policing in the region, in 1992 and 1997. After 30 years of service as a Mountie in Ottawa, Sault Ste Marie and Kingston, he retired to Welland, ON to be closer to his family in Rochester, NY.
Cliff had enjoyed many special occasions in his final days, but none more special than a cross-border visit from Adam, Patty and his grandsons, Gannon and Logan. He had a great weekend with his family and had even been feeling well enough to share some whiskey and a cigar on the patio with his son. Just a few days later, as he prepared to go for a walk with his beloved Labradoodle, Lucy, he simply closed his eyes and gently passed.
Cliff was never happier than when on his Honda Goldwing. He would hit the road for weeks at a time with his buddies, Dubber, Bob Thomas and many others. He had been to all provinces, territories, states, and multiple countries in Europe. A few years ago, he travelled on motorcycle in rural Nepal where he visited with a police colleague he had met while serving in Bosnia. Two weeks ago, he rode to Barry’s Bay for an annual ride with old friends. He had been so pleased that he finally felt well enough to make the trip.
Another love of Cliff’s was helping veterans, as well as volunteering with the local Legion in Welland and talking to youth in the classrooms about his experiences alongside Jim Summersides.
He told his son, “if I go tomorrow, I’ve had a good run” Always a gentleman, and was a gentle giant of a man. His was a life well-lived. He will be dearly missed and remembered fondly.
A service to celebrate Cliff’s life will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, 383 Morningstar Ave., Welland.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, Welland.
May 3 1951
October 14 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Clifford Driscoll May 3 1951
October 14 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Welland, Province: Ontario
avis deces Clifford Driscoll May 3 1951
October 14 2021
avis mortuaire Clifford Driscoll May 3 1951
October 14 2021