Clee , Hugh
5/9/1922  - 5/24/2010

CLEE, Hugh Alexander McIvor May 9, 1922 - May 24, 2010 Hugh passed away peacefully at the George Derby Centre, surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Meryle (Shields), Hugh is survived by his six children Candace, Robin (Harley), Jeff (Donna), Deborah (Michael), Gillian, Jennifer (Ben) and 11 grandchildren. Hugh was a native Vancouverite. After graduating from Vancouver Tech High School, Hugh enlisted in the RCAF at the age of 17. Hugh was assigned to a ground crew of a bomber squadron, but was promoted to flight crew as Flight Engineer soon after. After flying many tours over Europe, he was shot down over Holland, successfully parachuting out of the burning plane and landing in the countryside. He evaded capture for some time before being eventually caught in Paris and transported to a POW Camp in Germany. After two years, he managed to escape with colleague Weldon ""Cub"" Phipps during a forced re-location and safely reached Allied lines. Hugh was recovering in a London hospital on VE day. As soon as he got home to Vancouver, he re-applied for active duty in the Pacific. As the last surviving son in the Clee family, his request was denied and he was assigned to training duty at the Boundary Bay Airport. Hugh left the Service in 1946 at the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He remained affiliated to the Air Crew Association as well as the Royal Air Force Escaping Society throughout his life. Hugh then embarked on a long, distinguished career in the Real Estate industry with Boultbee, Sweet & Co. Ltd., Macaulay, Nicolls, Maitland and Co., and Canada Permanent Trust. During his career Hugh was a longtime member of the Real Estate Institute of BC, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and the Real Estate Board of Vancouver where he served as President in 1969-1970.  He also served terms as Chair of both the Real Estate Council of British Columbia and of the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, with an avowed goal of making our communities better places to live. Dad's passions included reading, opera, fishing, sailing, golf and tennis; in the latter sport he enjoyed winning tournaments well into his 70's! His greatest devotion, however, was to his family. He spent countless hours volunteering time and energy to the numerous activities of his six children and 11 grandchildren, often attending schools to give talks on his war experiences. Hugh could always be counted on to share his time, expertise or labour with friends, family and neighbours. Dad was very proud of his children and never hesitated to tell us how lucky he was to have us. The family would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and companions at George Derby Centre for the devoted and conscientious care they provided to our father, and continue to provide to all the residents of the facility. We especially appreciate the dignified manner with which they assisted us at the time of Dad's passing. Hugh will be greatly missed by his family, but always remembered for his humour, patience and integrity. A celebration of Hugh's life will be held at Quilchena Golf and Country Club, 3551 Granville Avenue, Richmond, on Thursday, June 3, from 3 - 5pm.