Michael Clifford

Michael Clifford

Michael Clifford Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 4, 2017.





MAJOR GENERAL
MICHAEL LEWIS CLIFFORD
AM CSC
10 July 1956 - 2 November 2017

Proud and loving father of Prue and Amanda.
Much loved son of
Margaret and Bob (deceased).
Beloved husband of Prudence (deceased)
and her New Zealand family.
Much loved partner and best friend of Alison.
Dearest brother of
Sally, Jane and brother-in-law Simon.
Proud uncle to the Cousins.
Trusted friend and colleague to many.

A proud member of the Royal Australian
Corps of Signals and an officer and
General of the Australian Army.

You will be greatly missed.
Your legacy across many endeavours will be long lasting.

Forever the faithful and
supportive companion.


Free now to be with and watch over the
people and places that he loved.


Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and caring staff at
The Canberra Hospital.

The funeral service for Michael will be held
in the Anzac Memorial Chapel of St Paul,
Duntroon on Thursday, 9 November 2017, commencing at 11 am.

Private cremation.

In lieu of flowers donations may be
made online or sent to
PO Box 11 Woden ACT 2606 or
The Canberra Hospital Foundation Haematology.


Sign Michael Clifford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 13, 2017

Robert Clark posted to the memorial.

November 19, 2017

George Friend posted to the memorial.

November 16, 2017

Peter Daniel posted to the memorial.

39 Entries

Robert Clark

December 13, 2017

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Clifford, friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed by the Defence family. My thoughts go out to Alison at this time.
Robert Clark
Former Chief Defence Scientist

George Friend

November 19, 2017

Vale Mick, always a gentleman, always a good friend. Rest In Peace mate.

Peter Daniel

November 16, 2017

Deeply saddened by the passing of Mike, my thoughts and blessings are with his family and Alison, may we all remember the real differences that he has made in our world.

John Harriott

November 14, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Mike's family. He was a great bloke, taken so young.

Mark Diedrichs

November 12, 2017

RIP Mike. It was good to know and work with you during your time with GD.

Steve Pilmore

November 11, 2017

When the Australian Commando community was seeking a uniting national leader, a guiding influence for the new environment in which we found ourselves, a statesman who could mix with his fellow Generals yet have soldiers as his closest comrades, someone capable of reaching across any divide, and above all an individual respected across the board, Michael was a walk up start as the National President of the Australian Commando Association.
His service at RMC demonstrated perfectly what he meant to his family, friends, former comrades and the wider Australian community.
We will miss you Mate!

Diana (Sonnenreich) Minervino

November 10, 2017

Our deepest condolencens to the extended Clifford family. We feel incredibly fortunate to have met Michael in April. Sending lots love from your family in Boston - Diana, Phil, and Owen Minervino

Ian Renwood

November 10, 2017

I had the honour to share a desk with Mike when we were both at IBM. I quickly developed a respect for his intellect and integrity. I last saw him earlier this year at a services dinner we attended together, while I was aware that he'd been unwell, at no stage during the evening did he mention his illness. A measure of the man. Rest In Peace Mike and deepest sympathy to family and friends.

Allan du Toit

November 9, 2017

Deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Rest in peace my friend. Gone but never forgotten. My deepest and most sincere condolences to you Alison, and Mike's Family, with your loss.

Karen Mason

November 9, 2017

Thinking of you Allison, during this difficult time. Treasure your memories together, forever.

November 9, 2017

Scott and Maxine send our heartfelt condolences

Darryl Bunney

November 8, 2017

A young man who entered my life through his chosen career and as a 2nd lieutenant took the advice of an old generation soldier which I believe helped him in his future endeavours. A fine Officer but most of all a gentleman and someone who took care of his subordinates. Mike, RIP my friend and I am thankful for knowing you.

VADM Matt Tripovich AO CSC

November 8, 2017

So very saddened to hear of the passing of a man who was, in the true meaning, a good bloke and a gentleman.

Andrew Fullgrabe

November 8, 2017

Alison, so sorry for your loss. Mick will be sorely missed by many.

Leo Hogan

November 8, 2017

With your tall frame, bright blonde hair and inability to suffer fools we used to refer to you as 'The Great White Thunder Good' - behind your back of course. If you ever heard us using this sobriquet I suspect you would have been secretly pleased. You were passionate about the Corps and getting it to focus on war fighting - not just technology. In this you challenged and stretched a generation of signallers - an achievement that is probably more significant than you ever realised. Vale Michael

Lewis MacLeod

November 8, 2017

Dear Alison,
So sad to hear to hear of Michael's passing a great loss to all. My deepest condolences and thoughts are with you and the family at this time.

Allan Behm

November 8, 2017

Michael was a man of integrity, courtesy and compassion. A born communicator, as Staff Officer in HQADF he orchestrated Defence-wide engagement in the provision of policy advice to the exercise of command. "Certa cito" was his standard. Deeply committed to his family, he remains a model to all of us.

Simon Knightley

November 8, 2017

So respected for comittment, forward thinking and dedication to the Signal Corps. While serving under you,there was never a dull moment.

Susan Neuhaus

November 7, 2017

Dear Alison, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Tread gently x

Wendy and Garry Diack

November 7, 2017

Prue and Amanda, so sorry to see such a good man as your Dad leave us all before he should. To our dear Prue, 'he was the one'. Please use us as your NZ escape, any time. Our love and deepest sympathies.

Joe Franzi, RASIGS, (WO2 Ret'd)

November 7, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Clifford family and friends. Mike, you were a wonderful teacher during my time in the Army and a great collegue in civilian life. The corps has lost a true champion.

Colonel Paul Galea

November 6, 2017

Mike, We never knew each other particularly well but I always admired you from afar. I admired your intellect and took inspiration from you and the standards you set and demanded from others all while being a humanist. The world is now a somewhat lesser place for your passing. My deepest thoughts and prayers to Alison and your daughters. Paul

Ben G

November 6, 2017

Thanks, Mick, for the enormous impact you had on my life. I'm a better man for having known you

John Raams

November 6, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of your passing my friend.. We were comrades in arms ( brothers). I will see you again. Rest now my friend. My condolences to the family.

Fran Sonnenreich

November 6, 2017

Michael was someone who spent his life ensuring the safety and well being of others.He is a hero.
Our deepest sympathy to the family and all those who loved and admired him. Fran and Bill Sonnenreich

Geoff Lever

November 5, 2017

So very sad to hear this news. My thoughts are with you Alison and the Clifford family. A life cut short far too young

Peter Kirkham

November 5, 2017

So sorry to hear of Mick's passing. My condolences to family.

Michael Leckie

November 5, 2017

RIP Michael. Sadened by your passing. Condolences to your family. Your tour is over.
Certa Cito.

LTCOL Craig Dowling, RASIGS (Ret'd)

November 5, 2017

Mick's passing is a sad loss to his family, to his friends, to those whose lives he touched and to those he hadn't yet had a chance to encounter. A big man and a real friend.

Nos Omnes Mortale

Roger Gray

November 5, 2017

So sorry for you loss...my thoughts are with you Alison...

Fiona Schwegler

November 5, 2017

Very sad to hear of Michael's passing.
Michael selflessly reached out to me when my partner died two years ago, sending words of kindness and encouragement to help me get through my loss, which he himself had endured.
Michael and I were colleagues at IBM, and I always remember his professionalism and integrity.
Just recently I reached out to Michael to see how he was going, wondering why he didn't respond, which was unlike him. Now I know.
May he Rest In Peace.

November 5, 2017

So deeply saddened at the passing of Michael. I retain wonderful memories of our years of service at 139 Sig Sqn and again much later at the Signals School.
Michael was prepared to have a go whether on the Rugby field or through a deep commitment to lead and to do the job well. As his Radio Troop Sgt we clicked. The old adage show leadership, work hard, play hard and the troops responded.
The General retained a proud loyalty toward the Corps of Signals (Swift and Sure) - a mark of the man.
On behalf of Jo and I we convey our deep condolences to the immediate and extended family of Major General Michael Clifford AM CSC.

Alan Horton
Wauchope NSW

Lofty Evans

November 4, 2017

Mick, So many things that we never got to talk about.Travel Well - see you when I do.

Richard Coates

November 4, 2017

MICK, An absolute pleasure to serve with and for you. I count you as a true friend.
Condolences to family

Greg Pike

November 4, 2017

So sad to hear of Michael's passing. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones as they mourn his loss. Michael was one of the good guys! Lest We Forget!

November 4, 2017

RIP Mick your service is done.
Tom Gallagher
OCS 1976

November 4, 2017

My condolences to family and friends. The RASigs family has lost a champion of the Corps.
- LTCOL Karen Keegan, RASIGS, (Ret'd)

Peter Hewat

November 4, 2017

To Alison, Prue and Amanda, I was introduced to Michael about 5 years ago where we worked on a project for 3 years. In that time I learnt a lot from Michael, professionally and personally. Since then we became friends and he continued to be a an incredible influence on me and my family. To me he will always be remembered as the General with the baseball bat. That "bat" resembled power, strength, positiveness, direction,and influence that he exuded. I know I am a better person for knowing Michael and for that I am grateful. Please accept our heartfelt condolences to you all at this very sad time. Warmest regards, Peter Hewat

LTCOL Denise Dunn, RASIGS (Ret'd)

November 4, 2017

Sincere condolences to the family. Thanks for your service to RASIGS and the Army.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

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Sign Michael Clifford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 13, 2017

Robert Clark posted to the memorial.

November 19, 2017

George Friend posted to the memorial.

November 16, 2017

Peter Daniel posted to the memorial.