11 May 2018

Eugene Stanton Clift was born in Pasadena, California on May 14, 1924. He is survived by his wife, Naomi Clift, his children, Mikki, Kathi, Patti, Wesley, Marsha and Kevin, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Gene joined the navy in 1941 during WWII and, in 1945, his ship was attacked and sunk in the South Pacific at Okinawa by Japanese kamikaze planes. While he was in the water waiting to be rescued, his oldest daughter was being born. After WWII, he re-enlisted in the Navy and continued his service in the Korean war.

Upon leaving the military, Gene pursued a life in sales. He also enjoyed woodworking and started a cabinet business out of his home in Tualatin. He continued his cabinet business in Canby with his two sons, Wes and Kevin. Upon his retirement, he spent most of his days on the golf course until he broke his neck. After surviving that, he also survived prostate cancer, multiple massive melanomas and had his last rights given to him 3 times over the 10 years prior to his demise. He passed away quietly in his sleep on May 11, 2018. He was 3 days shy of being 94 years old.

“Nothing in this world happens without, first, something being sold to someone” – Eugene Clift

As quoted by family, “There is no doubt he is in heaven selling halos to angels or bridges that go from hell to heaven. Always a deal to be worked, always something to sell”. He will be missed.

Services will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on June 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow at 3:00 P.M. at the Clift home in Canby.

http://www.canbymolallafuneralchapel.com/canbymolallaobituaries/obituary/1645_Eugene_Stanton_Clift