Dr. Clifford Anger

A brilliant physicist and pioneer in remote sensing technology, Cliff was known as a kind friend to all who came across him. He deeply loved the mountain community of Canmore where he and his beloved wife, artist Patricia, have resided for over 30 years.

Cliff was born in Long Beach, California in 1934. He often reminisced about growing up in Southern California during a simpler time and being doted on by his two older brothers and parents. Building a radio from scratch with older brother, Hal, and enjoying homemade strawberry shortcake were two of his favorite childhood recollections. He pursued physics in college and eventually went on to study the aurora borealis - the northern lights - which he said involved a cold and lonely stint on a McQuarry Island field station. For this work, he received a PhD in physics from Berkeley in 1962 and joined the University of Calgary physics department that same year. During his years at the university he worked on the Galileo and Viking space and satellite projects, among others.

Always an active church goer, one Sunday in the late 1960’s, Cliff noticed a sparkling redheaded attendee and made sure of an introduction. Patricia had taken the train from Toronto to Calgary to visit a friend and decided to attend church that Sunday. It was kismet and a year later they were married.

Cliff went on to found ITRES Research in Calgary in 1979, a company that became a leader in airborne hyperspectral and thermal mapping. After several decades, he retired from ITRES but remained active on the board of directors until shortly before his passing. He took great joy in this role, and his passion for the field of remote sensing and for the company never wavered. What made ITRES truly special to him was not only its focus on quality and innovation, but also the loyal and incredibly talented employees who have sustained and advanced it over the decades.

Cliff and his family are deeply grateful for the care and support he received in his final years. He was fortunate to be assisted by the dedicated professionals at Origin Assisted Living and Morningstar in Canmore, his home care manager and occupational therapist at Alberta Health Services, his doctor at Spring Creek Integrated Health and pharmacist at Spring Creek Pharmacy in Canmore and many others.

Cliff often shared with loved ones how profoundly appreciative he was of the many people who supported him and he cherished their friendship. He was especially touched by Origin staff members who always responded with compassion whenever he reached out, often in the midnight hours. His family wishes to thank all of the friends and professionals who surrounded him with kindness.

Cliff will be deeply missed by his family and friends, whose lives were enriched by his gentle presence. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia; his daughter and son‑in‑law, Susan Ryckman and Peter Gabbarino of Taos, New Mexico; his son and daughter‑in‑law, John and Krista Anger of Calgary and grandchildren, Kieran and Jessica.

True to his spiritual convictions, Cliff wished for no funeral or memorial service, and his family will honor his wishes. He believed that life is not bound by beginnings or endings, but is part of a vast and infinite universe—one to be explored across countless planes unknown to us.