Clifford Lawrence

Clifford Cliff Roger Lawrence, 84, of Fort Shaw, peacefully passed on July 6, 2013 surrounded by family at the age of 84. Cliff was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but left when he was only a month old. His mom, Hazel, and dad Royce moved to Canoga Park, California where they spent many years. His parents desire to be more in the country led them to Grants Pass, where Royce opened the Lawrence Furniture and Feed store. While helping out in the store as a kid, Cliff soon learned that hard work and customer service was a big key to success especially during hard economic times. His dad told him, Son, you gotta look them straight in the eye and give them a firm handshake . Thats the way you determine good people. Then you can tell its okay to give credit to a family in need even though they had little or no money. You knew youd be paid. Something we miss in todays world. He graduated with the 1948 class from Grants Pass Oregon High School. Cliff went on to serve 2 years in the Navy spending time in the Philippines. He married Janis Marie in 1951 and they went on to have four children: Craig (wife Lynne), Jeff (wife Lesa), Kris, and Andy. They divorced many years later. His career started with Montgomery Wards in Medford, Oregon in June 1951. It was soon recognized that his natural ability was management material. So his promotions took him to Petaluma, CA, Reno NV, Bakersfield, CA, and in 1965 he transferred to the downtown Wards store in Great Falls. Then in the early 70s they opened the new store in Holiday Village Mall where he was store manager.During his time in the area he was very much involved with community activities. He served on the board of the old Deaconess Hospital and Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member with Rotary in various locations for over 50 years as well as the Medford Oregon Masonic Lodge No. 103.He volunteered his time with United Way and served on their boards as well as his involvement with the Boy Scouts and any other organization that needed his help.His desire to be a farmer was still burning inside. He bought some acreage in Fort Shaw to satisfy that. With the help of a couple of neighbors (the Rohrers and Parkers) they turned this somewhat city man into a gentleman farmer while still being that successful store manager in town. Cliff in turn showed his children the joy of irrigating, of pulling a calf at 2 oclock in the morning, or fixing the same fence because your neighbors bull just crashed threw it again. Not to mention teaching the kids to chop ice when it was 20 below so the livestock could have water. But it wasnt all work. Cliff spent many quality times with the kids fishing, hunting and, of course, camping. His great love of the outdoors, especially in Glacier Park (Fish Creek campground), have been passed down to his children and great grandchildren. The horseback trips or hikes into the chalets were among the most memorable experiences. The boat trips over to Apgar for his morningcoffeewith one of his children for a little alone time, or just sitting around the campfire talking- or not- are memories branded in all their minds today.In 1976 Cliff met his present wife, Janet. They both insist they were destined soul mates. They proceeded to move around with Wards in various locations from Pleasant Hill, CA to the Chicago corporate office, to Los Angeles, CA for the next 8 years until his retirement in 1984.Then, like all retirees during that era, they both got real estate licenses and moved to Palm Springs, CA to make their fortune. Unfortunately, with interest rates around 15-16 % that wasnt happening. Then an earthquake in July of 86 made them decide to leave and come back to the ranch. Now Cliff had a new bee (Janet originally from Rhode Island) to teach the joys of farming to. Cliff became active again with most of same groups and still knew most everyone in town. He wanted to spend more time doing the things he loved, so traveling to Alaska, fishing, hunting and camping became priorities. But now the grandchildren had the pleasure of experiencing what their parents had done with Grandpa from their first driving lesson in the old farm truck, to the beauty of camping in Glacier Park right down to the messy smores over the campfire.Cliff taught all the kids many values; such as right from wrong, honestly is not just the best policy, but the only one. Whatever makes you happy, do it, because its your happiness. When you are loved give more, and many more lessons. So now that we are unable to see him, we can feel him watching and know that hell deal with us later when we reunite in Heaven.Cliff was first diagnosed in 1999 with Parkinsons. As true to nature he continued to be the rock for his family for many years. Through the miracles of modern science and technology he underwent brain surgery three years ago that gave him back quality of life and more time to continuing teaching the family.Cliff is survived by his wife, Janet; four children; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a nephew; and his beloved dogs, Paige and Charlie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Royce Lawrence; and a sister, Betty Engle.There will be no visitations and burial at Sun River will be private. Celebration of His life can be honored by celebrating life with your own loved ones. Donations can be made to the Parkinsons Organization, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 or to the charity of your choice.