On May 25th, Dr. Roger Kay Clifford, ended his long-time battle with cancer when he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family. He was a brilliant Ph.D. Engineer, Professor and Inventor, an obedient and stalwart son, a kind and loving father, and a fun and dedicated grandfather to nine. Most of all, Roger was a devoted and loving husband.
His wife Cynthia was his soul mate, confidant, and equal partner in life, for 51 years. Roger was born to Arthur Harris Clifford and Ruth Langdon in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1944. He is a graduate of West High School ’63 and the University of Utah: BS Metallurgical Engineering ’69 and PhD in Metallurgy ’72.
With a passion for mineral processing and metallurgy, his vocation was first a Professor at the University of Missouri for 7 years, and then as a Sr. Engineer for Chevron for 25 years. Throughout his professional life, he authored 28 papers, a book and patents. He also served in the Utah Air National Guard for 6 years.
Roger lived his life in service to his faith, serving a 2. 5-year mission in Uruguay and fulfilling multiple callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including Danville Stake Mission Presidency, Ward Clerk to 6 Bishops, Counselor, Young Men’s President, Music Chairman & Choir Director, Oakland Temple ordinance worker and many other callings. As a father, he was a constant supporter and coach of his children’s sports and activities and drove countless times to practices and rehearsals.
He financed their educations and missions, cheering them on with support through every life decision and through the birth of his grandchildren. A humble and selfless man, he always put others first. He showed through example how to be a good citizen, how to fix almost anything, the meaning of work hard, how to turn the other cheek, be kind, and demonstrated countless other redeeming character traits.
Roger loved telling corny jokes and using puns and used humor regularly even through his final weeks. Music fed his soul and he would often sing and play the piano at home. Additionally his favorite hobbies were gardening, lathe wood turning, swimming in the backyard, and playing with his grandchildren.
In his final weeks, Roger’s spirits were lifted by the Golden State Warriors, who exemplify his fighting and winning spirit. He was smiling and optimistic even in the face of impending mortality, knowing he had lived an exemplary life and would return home soon to his Father in Heaven. He will be greatly missed by his family and by those who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Tew Clifford, 4 siblings, and his 6 children Alisa Aiken, Andrew, Cameron, Natalie Cann, Nathan and Crystal. He has 9 grandchildren: Ryan, Courtney, and Bella Clifford; Skyler Aiken; Colin, Ethan, and Mia Cann; and Liberty and Joy Clifford. A Memorial Service will be held in Danville, CA on June 1st at the LDS Church – 655 Old Orchard Dr. Danville, CA 94526.
Viewing 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Service from 2:30 – 4 pm.
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