Rev. David Alan Cline
May 1st, 2019
David Alan Cline was the fifth child of ten born to Charles Cline and Edna Bishop, born 1923, in Young, Saskatchewan at Mrs. Grant's "Laying-in Home."
He grew up on the family farm just outside of Zelma, Saskatchewan, graduating from high school there. David was the third brother in his family to enlist in the service in the RCAF, in 1941. He had always wanted to be a pilot, and attained the ranks of Commissioned Pilot and then "Flying Officer." David flew B-24s in the anti-submarine unit and escorted the convoys and four big passenger ships such as the Queen Mary to the point of no return over the Atlantic Ocean. He served in many bases across Canada during his years in the Air Force.
Before enlisting in the war, David had met and fallen in love with Vera Morgan. As the war came to a close, David and Vera were wed in Colonsay, Saskatchewan on July 25th, 1945. David took his discharge from an overseas posting close to VJ-Day. While the rest of his unit went overseas David, instead, started studies at the University of Saskatchewan in September 1945, having enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts programme. At that time his cousin Anne Cline (daughter of Uncle Dick and Aunt Carrie)
was studying divinity at St Andrew’s College of the University of Saskatchewan. She convinced David that he would be a good fit for that programme. Thus, in 1948 he entered into a three-year "Certificate in Theology" programme. He and Vera then had the same kind of influence on younger brothers Fred and Phil, who then also studied for the ministry at St Andrew’s College. Later, David studied at the Vancouver School of Theology, eventually obtaining his Master of Theology degree in the late 1970s.
While attending St Andrew’s College, David served in Ruddell and Denholm, Saskatchewan as a "student supply." Upon graduation, he was placed in the Broadview/Whitewood Charge in south-eastern Saskatchewan. In 1955, he moved to Bowness (a town then outside of Calgary), then in 1960 to Westminster United Church in Calgary, in 1965 to St Paul's Trinity United Church in Nelson, BC, in 1971 to St Stephen's United Church in Vancouver, and finally to Richmond, BC in 1975, where he served at Brighouse United Church for 13 years. For two years during his time at Brighouse, David also took on the pastoral ministry role at Richmond United Church.
David served the United Church of Canada in many roles: as Chairman of Presbytery, Chairman of Settlement Committee, and President of the BC Conference. David retired from full-time pastoral ministry in 1988 and then moved to the Prince Rupert United Church congregation to serve as the "supply minister" for one year. Next, he helped organize the Congregational Christian Churches in Canada after moving first to Burnaby for four months and then to White Rock in 1989. In his retirement years, David served various times as "interim minister" and "pulpit supply," particularly at St John's Presbyterian, eventually fully retiring on the fourth try.
On the social level, David loved playing card games with his family, as well as hockey, golf, and curling, particularly with his father and his brothers at various Briers, especially the "Friar's Brier" where the Cline brothers were a popular feature. On the spiritual side, The Order of St Luke, the Bethel Bible Series, and the United Christian Ashram Movement were three important spiritual forces in David's life. It was at a United Christian Ashram in 1974 that David had a conversion experience, dedicating his life to becoming a follower of Jesus from that point on!
David was a man of words and sayings. Two of his favourite things to say were: "Family has always been the centre of my life, starting on the farm with all my siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, and then going on from there." And, from a bumper sticker he once saw on a car, he liked to say, "Live your life in such a way that the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral.” After Vera's death in 2000, David married their mutual friend Una (Kristjanson) Stewart on June 8th, 2002. David loved both his wives and considered himself doubly-blessed to have had two such wonderful marriages. David's was a full, well-lived life.
David is survived by: children Alva, Anne (Rick), Janice (Ed), John (Karen), and Chris; by step-children Catherine (David) and Heather (Joe); by brothers Fred, Phil (Audrey), Steve (Sharon) and sister Ethel (a missionary nurse with the Anglican Church Army), and sister-in-law Maureen (wife of brother Ellis), 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and by cousins, nieces and nephews "by the dozens" on both the Cline and Morgan sides.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Dear Cline Family We are deeply saddened by the loss of your father, grandfather our uncle. Our sweet Uncle David was a very strong presence in our family and will be missed. My dad, Ed had a very special relationship with his brother-in-law and he was a large part of his life. Uncle David married my parents 59 years ago on May 12th. I have many memories of time spent with David and Vera growing up. Continuing in family tradition Uncle David officiated at Debra’s wedding and co-officiated at my wedding. He also baptized Debra’s 3 children. The Cline and Morgan families have many shared memories. He will live on in our hearts forever. I know that Uncle David is with those taken before him. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Debra and I were very sorry that we were not able be with the family at this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers Pamela (Morgan) Buzash Debra (Morgan) Mortensen
David and Vera were wonderful religious supports as well as friends to my late mother Phyllis Jock of Richmond BC. Thanks to you both for your service.
David was a younger cousin of my mother, Laura Cowan. She had fond childhood memories of family visits to the Cline farm, near Zelma, SK. Mum enjoyed attending the celebration of David and Vera’s 50th wedding anniversary, and seeing other members of his family. Over the years, I met David at a few family occasions, the last of which was the memorial service for Mum in 1998. My condolences to all of David’s family.
I knew about David when we lived in Richmond during his time at Brighouse United, but don't recall meeting him until about three years ago when I led the Remembrance Day service at Crescent Gardens and had him participate, realizing that he had led these for several years. He always had a stellar reputation as one who loved and served God, and in reading his obituary I am impressed with his life and career. A great man and dearly loved, he will surely be missed but has left a great legacy. My sincere condolences to you his family. I hope that you will relish the many fond memories and I pray that you will feel God's presence as you move through this new life transition.
I am saddened to hear of Rev. Cline's passing. My sympathy to all his family. He was the minister at Bowness United Church when I was in high school. He and Vera were inspirations to me, and led me to enter nursing school at the Calgary General Hospital. I graduated in the Class of 1965. Ten years later, in Vancouver, when I was planning my first marriage, I discovered that he was the minister at a United Church (St. Stephen's?) very near our home. After some discussion, he married us on Oct.11, 1975. He was a powerful influence and made a huge impact on how I have conducted my career and my life. He will be missed, I am sure, and remembered with love and admiration.
Our deepest condolences to the Cline family for the loss of Rev David. He was a wonderful man and a good friend to our parents, Wally & Barbara Dore. The Dore Family.