Clifford R. Wesner

Clifford Raymond Wesner, 93, of Arbuckle died of natural causes Nov. 5, 2010, at Legacy Hopewell House Hospice in Portland, Oregon. Born in Arbuckle February 4, 1917, on the property he called home, he lived his life on the family almond farm just south of Arbuckle. He attended Wildwood Grammar School and graduated from Pierce High School, then located in College City. He enlisted in the US Navy shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and fought in the Pacific for the duration of the war as a Gunner's Mate Second Class aboard the USS Ponaganset. He was awarded six military medals and numerous campaign ribbons for his service to his country. Upon the end of the war he returned home to run the family farm. Later in life, when the farming operation was leased out, he worked for Alsco- Geyer Irrigation in Arbuckle as a mechanic and welder. Cliff, a devoted family man and loving husband, father and grandfather, was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Lillian T. Wesner, a great sadness he carried with him for the last 10 years. They were married June 16, 1951, in Oakland, CA. Together they enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, both members of Busin Cousins Square Dance Club in Yuba City. They enjoyed annual cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as frequent trips to Portland to visit their son and grandchildren. He remained on the farm for seven years after the death of Lillian in 2000. In 2007 he moved to an assisted- care facility in Lake Oswego, Oregon, to live out his days near his son's family and two grandchildren who were by his side in the final days. Cliff was an active member of the American Legion and was extremely proud of his service to the country during WWII. He enjoyed growing prize- winning tomatoes and taking care of the property he was born on. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge and the Arbuckle Methodist Church. Cliff is survived by his daughter, Karen Lies of Woodland, son Clifford "Skip" Wesner of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and his two grandchildren, Makenzie Wesner (23) of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Michael Wesner (21) of Jacksonville, Florida. Services: Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010 at McNary Moore Chapel in Colusa. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 at the Arbuckle Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Arrangements are under the direction of McNary- Moore Funeral Service. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com