Clifton Mawer loved Squamish.
In the mornings, he'd wake up and go for long walks, admiring the mountains and water rippling along Howe Sound, his daughter Ashley McReynolds said. The Sea to Sky community held all his treasures his wife of 32 years, Leslie, his daughter, son-in-law Eric and his three-year-old grandson Maddix. This was home.
He loved the area, McReynolds said.
On Monday (March 3), Mawer, 54, died after being found unconscious at the scene of a dispute at The Cliffside Pub early Sunday (March 2). Police are looking for answers into his death.
Squamish RCMP responded to a report of a disturbance outside of the Cliffside at approximately 12:30 a.m. Although a fight was called in, when police arrived they found a group of people arguing, Sgt. Wayne Pride said, adding there was no physical altercation.
Officers were dealing with a couple of belligerent people when they were advised Mawer was lying on the ground a short distance away, he said. Mawer was rushed to the Squamish General Hospital and then transported to Vancouver General Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
There was a head injury, Pride said, noting Mawer might have fallen.
On Monday, after Mawer died, the investigation was handed over to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). Police have interviewed multiple witnesses and have talked with a suspect, Pride said, adding the suspect is a Squamish resident. It appears no weapons were used, Pride told The Chief.
Police are looking into what charges will be pursued, he said.
Mawer's loved ones are dealing with the loss. He was a beautiful, kind and caring man with a contagious smile, McReynolds said. Mawer spent his youth at Woodfibre. He met his wife Leslie when she was 14 and he was 18; they were classic high school sweethearts, McReynolds said. Mawer worked as a longshoreman in the Lower Mainland and was highly regarded by others in the field, she added, noting she'll miss his handy-man skills.
Words can't describe what a proud grandfather he was, McReynolds said, adding Mawer's house always had an open door. He saw the best in everybody.
IHIT is asking anyone who has information or was in or near the Cliffside between Saturday at 11 p.m., and Sunday at 2 a.m. to phone the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448 or email at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip at Solvecrime.ca.
