February 20, 1933–September 14, 2023
Clifford B. Haiste started a sheet metal apprenticeship in 1950 with RJ Karran Co. in Grande Prairie. In 1957, he met and married June Bye, the love of his life, and in 1959, he was hired by the refinery in Taylor so he could play hockey for the Fort St. John Flyers. Around 1961, he started working for Imperial Mechanical (Vancouver) to run jobs in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. He moved with his growing family to Prince George a year later to work for Fred Welsh & Son and was later rehired by Imperial Mechanical to work in the Prince George area.
In 1968, Cliff and a partner formed Doug’s Heating Northern—an offshoot of Doug’s Heating out of North Vancouver. At this point, he joined SMACNA-BC. Over the years, Cliff was a mentor to many sheet metal workers, providing countless budding tradesmen with a chance to flourish. Several of them went on to form their own sheet metal businesses and maintained contact with him over the years.
Cliff was active in the Prince George Mechanical Contractors Association and looked after the Northern SMACNA group for many years. In 1989, he was honoured with an Award of Appreciation. In 1993, after more than 40 years in the industry, Cliff fully retired. In 2006, he was honoured again with SMACNA Honorary Life Membership.
Cliff was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. He loved all sports, but as a true Canadian, hockey, CFL, and curling were his favourites. He enjoyed golf, and for most of his life was an excellent pool player. In his early single years, he supported himself playing in pool halls.
He and June enjoyed 66 years together, raising a family in Prince George and later retiring to spend over 30 winters in Arizona, where they made many friends.
Cliff died peacefully in Prince George Hospice with his family by his side.
He is survived by June, sons Toby (Grace) and Dirk (Arleen), daughter Tracy (Kevin), and grandchildren Tyler and Julia.
Cliff will be missed by many.
