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Spencer Clifton Obituary

Spencer Clifton 1950 - 2020 Spencer Clifton, a long-time resident of Eureka CA, died of liver cancer at the age of 69. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Spencer is survived by his wife, Dianna Clifton; his sister, Beth Mason; his children, Emily Philp and Jess Clifton; his grand-children, William and Russell Philp. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother James Clifton. Spencer was born in Lakeport CA on September 28, 1950 to Dorothy and James Clifton. He was the youngest of three children. He was raised in Stockton, CA and a graduate of Stagg High School. He and his wife Dianna both enlisted in the Air Force together. They were married on October 26, 1974, after which they moved up to the wilds of Humboldt County to begin a new life together. A devoted father and lover of motorized vehicles with high top speeds, Spencer was a friend to just about everyone who had the good fortune of meeting him. His crossword skills were the stuff of legend, and while in better health he was often found on the golf course, crabbing on Humboldt Bay, or spending time with his friends in the local branch of the E Clampus Vitus organization. Spencer was able to welcome others into his life in a way that few people can, and he could strike up a friendly conversation with nearly anyone he happened across. He was an extremely intelligent and kind man, who gave the gift of laughter to so many. Without a doubt, those that know him will miss his humor and his most excellent storytelling very, very much.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record from Oct. 3 to Oct. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Spencer Clifton

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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Penelope Nicoll

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Shelly Smith

October 6, 2020

Love and prayers to you all.

Kim and Damon Brooks

October 6, 2020

I’m sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing. We always looked forward to catching up with him at the Jazz Festival each year. What a gregarious man. He truly had a zest for life. Much love to Diana and family.

Mary Margaret Alt

October 4, 2020

I knew Spencer's sister, Elizabeth Clifton, when we went to St. Bernadette's Catholic school. I believe that James and Spencer spent some time there too. My deepest condolences to "Beth" and the rest of the family. May your brother rest in peace. Mary Lopez Alt 1961-1963 is when I was at St. Bernadette's.

Richard Gi o t t on i n i

October 4, 2020

Spencer and I went to HighSchool together . I also grew up around the corner from the Clifton's. I came to know Spencer very well in our senior year. My heartfelt condolences to his family especially his wife and children. May you rest in peace buddy.

Christina Chase

October 4, 2020

Every memory of spencer leaves a big smile he had a amazing way of finding humor and spreading laughter he was someone i truly enjoyed talking to he will be greatly missed my condolences to Dianna and his children and his entire family Chris Chase

Marie Liscom

October 3, 2020

Dianna and family. I was so sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing. I worked with Eureka Transit when he was at HCAOG. He was so enjoyable to work with! I smile when I think of his crazy vocabulary and way with words. May he Rest In Peace.

Gary Preeo

October 3, 2020

I had the good fortune of growing up 6 houses to the west of the Clifton's on De Ovan Avenue, Stockton. While Spencer was three years older than me, he and his late brother "Jimmy" treated me and my older brother Bob like brothers. I have very fond memories of Hide-N-Seek and other neighborhood games with the Clifton boys, & their sister Beth was the apple of every boys eye on the block! Their dad Jim was a Stockton Firefighter (he became Chief) and my dad was in law enforcement. Almost the entire neighborhood was firemen & cops, so all of us kids had many parents watching out for us. Just like Dorothy & Jim (Sr). It was a sad day when the Clifton's moved from the neighborhood. I really missed Spencer & our neighborhood fun times. God Bless & Rest In Peace

Bruce & Marjorie Heddinger

October 3, 2020

Dianna I am so sorry for your loss, Spencer was a truly great guy and he will be missed by all of us. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Ralph and Sandy Lake

October 3, 2020

Sending love and prayers to his family... We are so glad we got to know him...

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