Clifford Nelse Mortensen

Clifford Nelse MORTENSEN Of Seattle died January 28, 2009 at Parkshore Retirement Home. He was born Dec. 21, 1911 in Seattle, WA, where he live his entire life. He attended Ballard High School and the University of Washington, where he received his bachelor's degree in Engineering in 1933. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Being an ardent supporter of the University of Washington from graduation to the present, he contributed generously to both academic and athletic causes for his alma mater and was a life member of the President's Club, Tyee Club and a football/basketball season ticket holder since graduation. A mens'golf scholarship endowment fund is named for him. He was a UW Alumni Homecoming Chairman and founder of the Tyee Quarterbacks Club. After graduation in 1933, Cliff worked for Nelse Mortensen and Co., Inc., a business founded by his father, which he took over until he retired. He met and married Dorothy Howell on August 14, 1937, his wife of 66 years until her death in 2007. Cliff was involved with the AGC (Associated General Contractors) Association as a director, national treasurer, and chapter president. He also was the "Construction Man of the Year" and Board member for the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, served on United Way Board of Directors, served on the Board of Directors of Northwest Bank and Advisory Board of Old National Bank as well as the Advisory Committee, Past Presidents' Council of Seattle Master Builders and National Association of Home Builders. Cliff was involved with the Nile Shriner's (Past Potentate of the Nile Temple 1962) Broadmoor Golf Club (President 1978), Desert Island Golf Club in Rancho Mirage, CA (President 1985), the WAC, and Seattle Yacht Club. Cliff was an avid Husky fan and was known for his "purple pants" on the golf course, his purple golf cart and his purple suit he wore to all his grandson's weddings. Cliff was famous for telling it like it was. If you didn't like it, too bad. He was a very social person and loved life to its fullest. He is survived by his daughters Jeri Kronmal and Gail Richards (Bruce), his grandchildren Jeff (Sally), Greg (Alison), Susie Richards and Dan Kronmal (Kathy), his great grandchildren Riley, Samantha, Camille and Cole Richards, Carter Kronmal, and his longtime friend and companion Lois Lennard. We thank the wonderful staff at Parkshore and Wesley Homes care and ask that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Cliff Mortensen Endowed Scholarship Fund, University of Washington Athletics, Fund Development-Box 354070, Seattle, WA 98195 or a charity of your choice. A reception in Cliff's honor will be held at Broadmoor Golf Club at 3:00 p.m. on Tues, February 3.