Cliff Morris Obituary

Cliff Morris Cliff Michael Morris, age 59, quietly passed away at a hospital on the Big Island of Hawaii in the small tropical town of Waimea on November 10, 2016. A native of San Luis Obispo, Cliff was born in March 1957 to Don M. Morris and Jean Morris (nee Maughmer). He attended Teach Elementary School, San Luis Junior High School, and San Luis Obispo Senior High School, where he lettered in track and basketball. An enthusiastic sports fan and athlete, he attended Cuesta College, competing in the high and low hurdles and the 440-meter relay, acting as captain of the Cuesta track team. Two of his highlights were competing in the Community College National Championship in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles in Tennessee and placing second in the Small School's State Championship track meet. After graduation from Cuesta College, Cliff attended Cal Poly for a year, then transferred to San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate in 1985. While attending SDSU he served on the Aztec Athletic Board of Directors and the National Multiple Sclerosis Board of Directors. Taking breaks from school he spent a couple of summers working in Maui, Hawaii one summer picking pineapples and another summer waiting tables. This was the beginning of his love for the warm, casual living of the islands, where he would later return to make his home. Cliff also spent time in Lake Tahoe, where he loved the outdoors, skied, and worked at a restaurant. He began his realtor work with Marcus Millichap in San Diego, but found working for a large company too confining. He returned to San Luis Obispo to set up his own business. Later he struck out on his own in Bend, Oregon, where he enjoyed the lure of the mountains and the excitement of a growing cityalso where he met his first wife, Teresa Solis. While in Bend he earned his Broker's Real Estate License. In time, the lure of the islands called Cliff and he returned to Hawaii, making his home in Waikoloa on the Big Island. He started his own real estate company and married Sherry Achi. They lived partially in Colorado where Sherry had her own business. They parted ways and Cliff remained in Hawaii, where he lived for twenty years. Cliff was active in the Waikoloa Baptist Church, enjoyed playing golf, and with his gregarious nature easily made friends. Our beloved Cliff, always full of life and full of energy, will be deeply missed by his family. He leaves behind his parents Don and Jean Morris of Pismo Beach; sisters Karen Belick (Stephen) of Soquel and Sharon Donovan (John) of Templeton; and uncles, aunts, nieces, a nephew and cousins. The family will plan a private memorial and at a later date Cliff's ashes will be scattered in San Luis Obispo County. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Nov. 13, 2016.
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Dearest Son, It has been seven years since you left us, but your spirit visits often bringing love and wonderful family memories. You and your Father were born in the same month and both died in the month of November. It was surely meant to be that you have found each other again, and that you are enjoying exchanging stories and having a good laugh together.

Both of you are in my heart forever, and I am so blessed to have had both of you in my life. It has not been easy losing both of you, but your love and memories sustain me, and I am forever thankful for your love and for the years and memories together, individually and as a family.

Shall we meet again? Love you both forever,

Mother/Jean

Jean Morris

Family

November 8, 2023

Having been thinking about you lately with all that is going on in the Islands of Hawaii. Rest in peace, old friend.

Miguelito

Friend

November 8, 2023

It has been five years since you left us, Cliff, but you are never gone in my heart and soul. So often, when the phone rings or the doorbell chimes, my heart skips and my mind races: It's Cliff, and I can hear your cheerful "Aloha" and see your joyful smile. Oh, how I wish it really is you, but it is always warming to feel your presence and the flow of happy memories.

You will always be with your family; deeply etched inside our hearts and being. Some day, some way, we will be with you in a new universe full of peace and love.

Mother

Mother

November 10, 2021

I often think of Cliff ... so often at a location on the Big Island where we would meet up I recall good times and thoughtful conversation. Miss you Cliff.

Emily T Gail

Friend

November 7, 2021

It has been three years today since you left us and still, when I hear the phone ring or the doorbell chime, my heart skips a bit and calls out--it's Cliff, Cliff is calling.

You will never leave us. You are in our hearts, in every breath we take, in every step, at every holiday, on the golf course, in sorrow,, and wherever there is compassion, love, friendship, understanding, sharing, joy, kindness. You gave love and were well loved by your family and friends.

I like to think your love of life and joy are still reaching out to those in need now and to come--forever.

Proud of you, dear son, miss you, and often see your joyful smile and warm "Aloha" greeting.

Love and hugs always,,

Mother

Jean Morris

Mother

November 10, 2019

Dearest Cliff, a mother can never say goodbye. You are a part of me, and you will be in my heart forever. Some day we will smile again, talk about the joyful times as a family, help make the world kind and peaceful, and maybe even whip up a batch of your favorite divinity. Your father and I loved it when you came home to visit, always bringing laughter and boundless energy. The family gatherings were noisy, fun, silly, loving; and you always brought enthusiasm and energy and made everyone feel special. You made so many friends wherever you went, and I thank them for the kind words, wonderful memories, and expressions of love. You made a difference in the world making people feel good about themselves and bringing joy into their lives. I am proud of you, son, and will be proud of you forever and when we meet again. Peace, love, compassion. Mother

December 11, 2016

It's difficult to fathom the Lord taking Clifto's vibrant soul this earth at such a young age but now all of his pain and suffering is shared by his many friends and family. Rest peacefully in heaven, my dear friend.

Michael Criscola

November 30, 2016

Cliff, to this day, I can vividly recall the impression that you made on me in High School the first time we spoke. As that time was one of the most difficult chapters in my life, your comments to me, even though few, will always remain special in that you stood out as a leader, compassionate about life, and someone that was capable of making everything seem better in an instant through sincere observation and honest recognition. As I did not travel in your circles, those simple actions alone have instilled a special place in my memories for you.

It is because of my own simple interaction with you, I can only begin to imagine how your Family and loved ones must feel of their loss, and it is for them, that I pray for comfort and blessings from our Father above.

J. R. Harris

November 26, 2016

My condolences to the Morris family! This was shocking news. Thank you Clifto for the memories and the many cliftoritas. You will be missed by many❤

Terri Common (Solís)

November 19, 2016

Sorry to hear. My condolences

Don Vert

November 18, 2016

Cliff was a special friend. He had a gift for bringing a warm positive fun energy to any gathering. He was so good at reaching out and including others.

We shared a love of playing and talking about sports.

I will miss the many one on one heartfelt talks we had over breakfast. He cared about his faith, his family, his friends and doing for others.

I will miss you Cliff. My thoughts and prayers are with the Morris family.

Emily T Gail

November 18, 2016

I'm blown away! Completely
Will someone please let me know way?!!!!! I competed with Cliff at Cuesta College in '77. We were co- captains of the men's team and teammates for life. In a few short months of that track and field season, we competed like warrior athletes every meet, set school records and became brothers! My heart is extremely heavy for this unsettling news! My condolences go out to his family and everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Heavenly Father, Clifto was a unique gift you gave to us all, it is beyond me to ask or understand why he has gone. I know we will meet again my very dear friend of 40 years. And we will run like the wind again! RIP Aloha my Brother! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

It's been a week since I heard of Clifto's passing! I am more than ever grateful to have shared the things that Clifto and I shared together. When you compete in track and field, where you bear your soul, you run from within, you push yourself, test yourself beyond your physical capabilities. And then push for more because there's a teammate is relying on you to finish your portion of the race. This we shared each and every race. There is binding bond that is deep and transcends time.
I remember looking in the eyes of Clifto running to hand off the baton to me, I'm yelling come on, come! At the end of 400 meter, everyone is gassed, tired, fatigued. He was tired, I could see it in his stride, our eyes connected, he lifted and passed two in the last 50 meters, giving me the baton in first, all I had todo was bring it home and did. It was his ability to reach deep inside, fight to give me a chance to accomplish all our efforts, that pushed me! I thought if he can I can, together we did. We would embrace knowing we gave our all and beared our souls. Clifto thank you for being you ❤

Michael Lucero (Bisbee)

November 17, 2016

so very sorry to hear about cliff , he will be missed

Rod Monroe

November 17, 2016

I was fortunate to have spent school years knowing Cliff. He was always kind, full of love and laughter, and mindful of others. May his family be comforted with peaceful memories at this difficult time.

Mary Bateman (Luis)

November 16, 2016

"Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow." --Robert Louis Stevenson
Shock, disbelief are reactions that immediately come to my mind on the early passing of my friend Cliff Morris.I have very fond memories of Cliffto and those memories will survive in this time of sorrow.We were childhood friends, teammates and buddies who shared a lot of time together traveling, dining, happy hour, you name it. Lot of good times and I am very sorry to hear the sad news about his passing. It is obvious that he touched a lot of people and believed in God (read it and talked about it.) He is in a better place talking it up, trying to get a foursome together and planning where dinner will be. So long old friend, till we meet again. Aloha RIP CLIFF

Ron Barba

November 14, 2016

In a happy tone, Clifto always answered my calls with "Aloha my friend" You were there for me through my toughest times and will always have amazing memories playing hoops and golf. I will miss you and your Cliftoritas. I wish I had another chance to give you a hug and tell you how special you are. Love always. It's hard to believe you have left us, till we see each other again. Aloha my friend.

Mike Perez

November 14, 2016

To the Morris Family;
It is with a great deal of sadness to learn of Cliff's passing. He was an awesome guy. His friendly manner and constant smile made him an instant friend to all who met him. Good men such as Cliff come along rarely. I was one of the fortunate ones. God bless.

Jim Horn

November 14, 2016

Mahalo, Cliff, for all the fun and good times both at family gatherings and our treks to the Big Island. You will always bring a smile to our faces when we recount the times spent together. Aloha for now, until we meet again.

Lisa Maughmer

November 14, 2016

We cannot begin to express our deep sorrow on the loss of Cliff.
Clifto as he was known to his many friends on the Big Island was a very special person.
He had an infectious smile and incredible sense of humor. He loved his family and friends, and his love of God will certainly put him in a special place in Heaven.
While we will certainly miss him, we will always have him in our hearts.

Joan and John Warrick

November 14, 2016

You were a great friend Cliff and I'll always remember your charm, wit, and giving nature. Until we meet again.

David Dressler

November 14, 2016

Dear Morris Family~ May only your treasured memories of Cliff soon replace the ache in your hearts with peace and comfort. My condolences to each of you.

Gail Parry-Johnson

November 14, 2016

Our condolences on Cliff's passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Bill and Marsha Cattaneo

November 14, 2016

Clifto was my best golfing buddy in Hawaii. He was always thoughtful of others. Putting an article in the newspaper about my golf accomplishment, makes me think of him every day. I will always remember the excitement in his eyes, when he first viewed the one mile of oceanfront property that he bought on the Big Island. Most of all was when he received the Lord into his heart at Waikoloa Baptist Church. See you in Heaven my best friend.

Robert Warmington

November 14, 2016

Dear Don, Jean, Karen, and Sharon,
Cliff was a life-time friend of Robert and our family and he will be greatly missed. However, we are grateful for all the special memories that we share with your family.
With love and deepest sympathy.

Elaine Holley Coats

November 13, 2016

Don and Jean, we are very sorry to hear of Cliff's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Judy and Ken Barclay

November 13, 2016

Aloha for now

Ginger

November 13, 2016

My nephew was more than a nephew; brother and friend. Missed but never forgotten.

Steve Maughmer

November 13, 2016

November 13, 2016

Don and Jean; We are so sorry to learn of Cliff's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bob & Marty Olds

November 13, 2016

Love this picture of Cliff. I feel like he's right there, just as we remember him - always happy and full of energy. Looking forward to seeing him when "I go home".

Becky Jones

November 13, 2016

We always looked forward to meeting up with Cliff on vacation. Hawaii will never be the same, from sharing the best snorkeling spots, lots of golf, to hearing Ciffto as we entered any restaurant from the staff! He will be so missed by all.

Don & Jean we will keep Cliff in our hearts and share the memories of his smile and zest for life.

Gordon & Bridget Todd

November 13, 2016

So very sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. May God carry you and give you His comfort, strength and peace until that joyful day when you are reunited for eternity. My prayers will go up for you all, God bless the Morris family.

Tom Duval

November 13, 2016

Don and Jean, we are so very sad for your loss. Cliff was ALWAYS wearing his broad smile and was so upbeat and full of fun. Our thoughts are with the Morris family for your comfort.

Randy Voss

November 13, 2016

My thoughts go out to The Morris family. Cliff was a good man who always had a smile and a laugh. RIP Cliff..you will be missed

Rick Sawyers

November 13, 2016

Rest in peace my friend. Your smile and infectious love of life will always remind me of the good times we had. We mortals grieve now, but look forward to our time together later. Don and Jean, my condolences on the passing of your son. He was well liked by all and will be sadly missed. My heart aches. Fondly, Michael

Michael Jackson

November 13, 2016

Heaven became a brighter place with Clifto's arrival. A shining star in so many lives. Thoughts and prayers to the Morris family.

Robert Holley

November 13, 2016

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