Cliff Canavan King

Clifford Arthur Canavan-King passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday 15th July 2025, Porthlevan, Cornwall.


Cliff was a devoted family man. His life was lived for and through his two children Arthur and Rosa.

Never one to sit still, his boundless energy was the perfect provision for his love of the outdoors and his obsession with running everywhere he possibly could.

Cliff firmly believed in living a positive and full life. His own personal achievements were many. He pushed his limits in his ultramarathon running and this inspired him to be the most dedicated and passionate personal trainer and health & wellbeing coach. Each and every one of his clients became a friend. They excelled at their goals and so much more. Inspired by Cliff, we all became better people.

Cliff had a huge friendship circle, from his lifelong Isle of Mn Boys, to the Brighton Boys, The London Gang and beyond. Once Cliff touched your heart, he stayed there forever.

His parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and children go forward in life with broken hearts.

We ask you all to remember him and honour his life with one of his favourite sayings: Kindness and Empathy.

The charity we have chosen is called Man Down. It was a charity that Cliff was passionate about. They helped him through his dark days and in turn when he was then able to help others he did.

We ask that in place of flowers or other contributions that you donate what you can to this unique and special charity in Cliff's memory.

With love and thanks, The Canavan family.

Page Closes on 03 September 2025

Man Down Cornwall

*  Gift Aid, if applicable, will be collected on completion of registration with Memory Giving.

TOTAL DONATION

£1,365.00 + £266.08 Gift Aid potential

Leon Bosch

Shocking news, Cliff King has passed away. Cliff was my running coach, and one of the most inspirational people I have had the privilege to know. He turned me into a successful ultramarathon runner, and I will be forever greatful for his wisdom. He knew every inch of every major trail race and in addition to sharing that knowledge with me, pushed me harder than anyone has ever dared. He made me run as if my life depended on it, and I have a huge box full of medals to show for our shared endeavour. RIP Coach Cliff.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
24/08/2025
online donation

Coulter family

In memory of Clifford, one of life's characters. Rest in peace.

£100.00
24/08/2025
online donation

Berkhamsted health hub

From James, Greg, Leon, Katharine, Heather, Stas, Martin and Jeanette. We are all so devastated and saddened by the news of your passing. You were a fun and inspiring coach and we all enjoyed our classes with you at the Knox Johnston in Berkhamsted. All our thoughts are with your family.

£80.00
16/08/2025
online donation

Alistair Spooner

Went that extra mile, quite literally, got me into running and even ran my first half marathon to make sure I paced myself correctly. So so sad. Missed up here in Berkhamsted and the many surrounding areas...

£50.00 + £11.88 Gift Aid
12/08/2025
online donation

Anonymous

£20.00 + £4.75 Gift Aid
12/08/2025
online donation

Kamilla Sperl

I've known you, Cliff since I was 15, and throughout the years you've given me a lot of love, huge amounts of joy, a whole heap of kindness and sometimes quite a bit of frustration! I will remember you always, with all my heart and it's also really hard to even be writing this. Here's to an amazing charity who helped my lovely friend, Cliff.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
07/08/2025
online donation

Louisa, Philip and Ingela Canavan

Sending all our love. Clifford was such a lovely man. Philip and I were proud to be his cousins and mum and dad were very proud to be his Aunt and Uncle. Rest in peace x

£100.00 + £23.75 Gift Aid
04/08/2025
online donation

Anonymous

02/08/2025
online donation

josephine buss

Such an amazing cause to support, so heartwarming to know that Cliff is still helping others. He'll be missed by so many.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
01/08/2025
online donation

Lee and Jenny

Dear Cliff we will remember you as the kindest soul and the proudest dad. We are sure that wherever you are now, you are helping others and making sure that everyone is ok. We know that we can always find you on the hills and the trails. RIP mate. Rave on! Biggest loves Lee and Jenny from the Block xxxx

£50.00 + £11.88 Gift Aid
31/07/2025
online donation

Juliet Stewart

Dear Cliff The best personal trainer anyone could possibly wish for. The variety of things he got me doing was awesome. I loved our sessions whether they were speed, hills or body conditioning and was always happy to recce a race. Nothing was too much trouble in time or effort,always going above and beyond. Condolences to all his family particularly his beautiful children who I used to hear so much about.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
31/07/2025
online donation

Theresa Dennett

I first met Cliff after my Operation for Cancer, I was still undergoing treatment but he had faith in me that I could reach my goal of running a half marathon within 3 months. He never stopped supporting me through the good and bad days and I achieved my goal running the Bristol Half. I could never have achieved this without him. My evening runs around Truro will never be the same again, chatting about everything and always about Arthur & Rosa's achievements who he was so proud of. After a hard day at work and I feel like going home and collapsing on the sofa I will hear his words 'it is good for you to do this, we know it', and will grab my trainers. Will miss our time together. Deepest condolences to the family.

£50.00 + £11.88 Gift Aid
30/07/2025
online donation

Carolyn and Helen

This is the saddest news. Dear Cliff..not only a fantastic trainer but a beautiful kind positive soul. We are going to miss you Cliff .all your encouragement and positivity..and that wonderful laugh. You will be remembered very fondly Cliff. You were not only the best trainer but also a friend to us. We will always miss you. Wherever you are now..keep running..keep spreading all that kindness and positivity. We leave you with a few of your key phrases.. You smashed it! That was great! You're Ace.. Thank you dear Cliff. Sending condolences to all your family esp to Arthur and Rosa.

£200.00 + £47.50 Gift Aid
27/07/2025
online donation

Lotte Sperl

I was so sorry to hear about Cliff's passing. I've known him since he was 17 years old. My daughter, Kamilla and Cliff were each other's first love. I always had a soft spot for him and remember he came with us on holiday to Austria many years ago, his first ever trip abroad with a one year passport, as he insisted he would never go abroad ever again! He obviously changed his mind quite swiftly after that. My deepest condolences to the whole family

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
26/07/2025
online donation

Anonymous

£10.00 + £2.38 Gift Aid
26/07/2025
online donation

Emeline Galibert

All my tender thoughts to the family ♥️

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
25/07/2025
online donation

Nigel Knuckey

Cliff was a great personal trainer who went above and beyond. A proud dad to Arthur and Rosa. So sad and shocked to hear of his passing.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
25/07/2025
online donation

Jay Grady

Cliff came into my world like a whirlwind of energy. Straight talking, to the point and efficient in his words but with a depth of thought and genuine kindness that are a rare thing in this world of ego's and wannabes. I think that's one reason why so many people found a friend in Cliff, his genuine kindness. There was a frankness and honesty that came from a place of love and a deep level of commitment to all those he helped. His unflinching honesty in turn asked us all to be honest with ourselves, bringing out the best in us as we tried to match his integrity and drive. He was of course a very proud dad to Rosa and Arthur, gone far too soon from their lives but my god Cliff, you set out a great path for them to follow! They'll look back someday and say "I had a great dad"! I will miss our chats. But I will think back on them often and be mindful of how I live my life as if we still chat, but I will miss you friend. Run well fella!

£30.00 + £7.13 Gift Aid
25/07/2025
online donation

Rebecca Harvey

Wishing, Arthur and Rosa and all Cliff's family and loved ones my deepest sympathies

£10.00 + £2.38 Gift Aid
24/07/2025
online donation

Kat O'Leary

Really sad to hear about Cliff. We weren't super close, but he was there at the start of my fitness journey, always in his black running gear, always on his way to train someone. I used to see him around Truro, and I'd usually hear his laugh before I spotted him. We'd stop for a quick chat whenever we passed, and he always spoke so proudly of Arthur's sport and Rosa's singing and dancing. He'll definitely be missed.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
24/07/2025
online donation

Sara and family

So sorry to hear this sad news So Much love to Cliffs family especially his beautiful children x

24/07/2025
online donation

Katie Tucker

Cliff loved his kids with every fibre of his being, and that was obvious to all. It's incredibly sad that Arthur and Rosa must live on without him. Whatever comes next after this life, be happy Cliff. Katie, Damien, Lev, Harlyn and Elowyn x

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
24/07/2025
online donation

Leonie Eastlake

♥️

24/07/2025
online donation

Billie Lee-Smith

So immensely sorry to hear of this terribly sad news. Cliff was such a devoted family man who clearly adored his wonderful children Arthur and Rosa . His loss will be felt so greatly . Cliff had a belief that anything was possible, that even I could run a marathon , no excuses ! I remember telling him he could run my marathons for me as he loved running so much! Rest in peace Cliff and so much love to your family left behind x

£30.00
24/07/2025
online donation

Anonymous

£50.00 + £11.88 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

Vicky and Amber

So very sorry to Cliffs family and children. He clearly touched the hearts of so many . Such a generous kind man. My thoughts are with you all at this terrible time. X

£10.00 + £2.38 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

John Rhodes

I only heard the news this morning. We had trail run scheduled. Devastated lose a friend and mentor who was always positive, always kind and always prepared to lend a helping hand in whatever way. An absolute privilege to have known and trained alongside Cliff. Appropriately, I composed this in the peace and quiet of the Great Flat Lode trail where I took myself off for a run and a think this afternoon. I'm sure a felt him with me when I hit the peak of the highest climb. Thinking of all his family. Rest well, mate.

£25.00 + £5.94 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

Harrison Reynolds

£10.00
23/07/2025
online donation

Colin Marriott

Cliff helped me through mental health issues wellness and lots of exercise. All the Best to his Family, and certainly his children, who he loved more than anything. RIP Cliff

£100.00 + £23.75 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

Alison Tooth

£10.00 + £2.38 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

Ollie Dennett

£10.00 + £2.38 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

Cathy Marchant

With love from the Marchants xxx

£25.00
23/07/2025
online donation

Eve, John and Joe

My brother, Cliff. He truly lived life with the force of a strong wind at his back. This wasn't just evident in those legendary, long runs of his - classic Cliff, always pushing the limits - but in every aspect of his life. Cliff's heart was as immense as his laugh was infectious. Whether he was beaming with pride over his children, juggling work while still finding time to run and train, volunteering for an organisation that offers a listening ear to those with nowhere else to turn, or simply being an unwavering presence for his friends, he poured his whole self into it. He did it all, and he did it with remarkable quality.

£100.00 + £23.75 Gift Aid
23/07/2025
online donation

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