Obituaries

August 14, 1944 - April 3, 2025

A service, will be held on THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held following the service. In his honour, a red maple tree will be planted at the family farm, a symbol of strength and changing seasons.

If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.



Clifford Carl Hillbom, affectionately known as Papa Cliff, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. It was a beautiful spring day, and the evening brought a vibrant sunset - perfect sailing weather. His final day was filled with the people who loved him. That night, a crisp, clear sky revealed more stars than usual, as if the heavens had gathered to guide our Captain home. He was 80 years old.

Clifford was born in Wadena, Saskatchewan, on August 14, 1944, to Hildur and Gustaf Hillbom. He was raised on his family’s farm near Wynyard, SK alongside his sister Gloria, with whom he was close his entire life. It was the olden days, so he would work on the farm before literally riding a horse to school. He graduated from Wynyard Composite High School before marrying and starting a family with Alvera Graham. Although he moved his family to BC, he was a prairie boy through and through. He maintained strong ties to Saskatchewan his whole life, returning every summer with his kids, and eventually grandkids, in tow.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Gloria, and his nephew Darren Reason.

Family was Clifford’s heart. He could always be counted on to help with odd jobs, with or without being asked. He could find and fix things you didn’t even know were broken yet. He built the home in Black Mountain where his kids grew up, another example of his steady, capable hands. He loved getting on the John Deer and mowing the lawns with (not quite) perfect lines. Even before retirement, when he worked 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off, he was fully present for his family when he was home.

Cliff worked his way up from deckhand to eventually Captain the Galena Bay Ferry, a career he built over 26 years. The boat, the mountains, and the water, were a part of him. He made lifelong friends there, like Olympe Astra, who still had Papa laughing up to the very end.

Papa loved to travel. Long road trips and camping stories fill his children’s memories. In his retirement years, Clifford travelled all over the world. His friends, Jerry and Marlene Lamont, held a special place in his life. Together, they shared decades of laughter, support, and adventures, vacationing to places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Cuba. Cliff loved a vacation - especially if he could pay for it with Airmiles. Whether it was a road trip or a cruise, he enjoyed the planning almost as much as the journey. His travel style was simple: good company, and modest comforts. His travelling years were a well-earned rest.

Clifford is survived by his children: Shannon Hillbom, Nadene (Robert) Casorso, and Crystal Enns; his grandchildren: Amanda Tian Seng (Jeff), Carly Zolmer (Kurt), Shanna Enns, Bradley Enns, Sarah Casorso, Ryan, James Casorso, and Krystin Enns; his great-grandchildren: Zachariah, Sophia, Zara, Xavier, Benedict, Mattias, Cambria, Zoey, William, and Zayne. He also leaves behind his Saskatchewan family, his nephew Lance Reason, his niece Tracey Donnelly, and their families. Uncle Cliff loved you both.

Papa Cliff had a calm, steady presence that anchored generations. To his family, Cliff was the quiet reassurance of a man who showed up, again and again, in both big and small ways. Whatever you asked for, you were sure to be met with a classic Papa “Oh, I guess so”.

Papa Cliff spent years of his life proudly watching his grandchildren grow. He attended concerts and sporting events of all kinds and was willing to travel. He went as far as Spain in 2015 to watch his granddaughter play hockey for Team Canada.

Papa Cliff loved babies and was always checking their little feet and toes. His great-grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of his life. Every one of us were proud to put a new addition into his arms, knowing that in those moments he was falling in love with his family all over again.

He was playful with each generation he raised - always singing silly lyrics or pretending to nibble their little fingers, always making them laugh. He was responsible for many first sips of beer and was always the house with the best Halloween candy. He never missed a birthday. You could always count on cold hard cash in a carefully chosen card - Papa loved that hallmark sense of humour. Papa Cliff was always in the crowd, and quietly your biggest fan. There was no wondering if you had Papa’s affection. He didn’t have to tell you, there was no way not to know that he loved you. He told you with his presence. Papa would always be there, giving us his time, and he made us each feel important in the process.

He was a man of routines and simple pleasures, with quiet hobbies like collecting coins and acting as the family historian. He always had tools within reach to tackle any jobs as they came up. If he didn’t have something, there was always a Canadian Tire nearby.

Cliff was an avid sports fan. He always knew the scores and highlights of the latest game in any sport. He wasn’t only a spectator. Clifford loved the outdoors, often snowmobiling and canoeing with his kids. He played on a bowling team that changed our family’s history (for the better), and started curling way back in grade 10, playing for 11 years as a skip. Canadian to the core, Papa would be a curler.

Cliff’s final year was filled with the care, time, and presence of his family, each one giving their love in a unique way. Bringing him meals and spending time visiting with the great-grandchildren. Sitting with him and watching the game, or, if there was no game on, whatever papa had recorded that day. He had great taste in TV.

Deepest thanks to Jeff, Amanda’s husband, who brought his nursing expertise and calm spirit to Papa’s care; to Nadene, his oldest daughter, who took the lead on his affairs with strength and grace; and, to Amanda, his eldest granddaughter, who kept communication flowing and schedules organized during a difficult year. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Hobza, Dr. Kim, Drs. Carter and Ho, and the dedicated staff at KGH’s 5B unit. Special thanks also to the teams at BC Cancer, palliative care, and Springfield Funeral Home for their compassionate support and care. Thank you to everyone who sat with Papa, loved him, helped him, and honoured him.

To honour Cliff’s life, the family encourages you to take a moment to help someone quietly, to share a moment with a child, or to lend a hand without being asked - just as he would have done.


To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

• Apr 16, 2025
  Dear Nadene,Rob,Amanda,Carly, Sarah and James
  
  Your Father's (Papa's) love and impact will continue to shine through you.
  
  I hope you find solace in knowing that he will be with you in spirit.
  
  May the love and memories you shared provide strength and comfort in the
  
  days ahead.
  
  My deepest condolences
  
  Love Martha, Ryan and Kevin
  
  - Martha Kendal
• Apr 14, 2025
  Dear Nadine and Family,
  
  Heartfelt condolences for you all during this difficult and sad time. Your Dad sure sounded like he set a high standard for how to love and enjoy his family and live life.
  
  Blessings to you all,
  
  Love Larry, Lori Oishi - Larry and Lori Oishi

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