Stephen Teale Clifford, 77, a third generation Bakersfield native and respected Central Valley attorney, passed away on August 28, 2018, surrounded by his family. Steve was born in Bakersfield on November 27, 1940 to Mary and Gerald Clifford.

He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1958 and continued his education at the University of California, Davis graduating in 1963 with a B.S. in Agricultural Production. Steve was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, an affiliation that brought many lifelong friendships. He then attended University of California Hastings School of Law.

During his law school years, Steve worked as a seaman for Chevron Shipping Company aboard oil tank ships calling at various ports including Wake Island, Samoa, Tahiti and Alaska. Steve graduated from Hastings in 1966. He returned to Bakersfield and began his diverse legal career spanning over five decades at the law firm Clifford & Brown. Steve led by example through his work ethic, integrity and professionalism. Throughout his career he was recognized by the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American College of Trial Lawyers for his skill in the courtroom. Steve was an active member of the Bakersfield business community and served on the Board of Directors for both Mercy and Memorial hospitals for many years.

Steve had many friends and treasured those relationships that lasted over decades and generations. He possessed a deep character and his genuine core was evident in all he did.

Steve was intellectually curious and well-read with a quick wit and engaging, dry sense of humor.

He loved riding his horse, summer tomatoes from his garden, time spent at the beach with a good book, and snow skiing with his family.

Steve and Elaine (nee Fahey) shared a happy marriage for 46 years. Family was Steve's greatest joy. What he loved most was spending time with Elaine and their four children - Dan, Joe, Lesley and Elisabeth.

Steve lived an exemplary life that would be considered well-lived by any measure. He leaves a legacy forged by great memories and many laughs with those who knew and loved him. Steve would be quick to reject any inference that he changed the lives of the people he encountered as that was not his nature; however, his lasting influence will continue to live on through those who knew him.

Steve is survived by his wife Elaine, sons Daniel (Jennifer), Joseph (Terri), daughters Lesley, Elisabeth Sasso (Fabio), sister Linda Crites (Angus) and seven grandchildren: Graham, Mia, Jillian, Emma, Cole, Hank Sasso and Owen.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Steve may be made to: Trinity Anglican Church, the MARE Riding Center or the Memorial Hospital Foundation.

A memorial is scheduled for September 7th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church located at 4500 Buena Vista Road in Bakersfield, California.

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

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Sep. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Clifford

18 Entries

Ted Horton-Billard

August 12, 2023

So sorry to learn of Steve´s passing. He was a great lawyer and a splendid human being. I Will remember him fondly

Sarah Galindo

September 11, 2018

I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Clifford for three years at Clifford and Brown. He always greeted me and smiled. He was quick and witty and age didn't stop him. I can hear his voice. And hear him and Dan going back and forth. But as Dan would say, there goes the Stick Man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May you laugh more than you cry when you're thinking of him.

Nanette Maxey

September 11, 2018

I had the pleasure of working for Stephen Clifford, Mr. Clifford as we called him, for 15 years. It was sad when I had to leave to move to another state, but heartbreaking to hear of his passing. He was a gentle giant, great mentor, and a dear friend. He was a special person to everyone he met. He will be truly missed. May God's comfort and strength be with you.

September 8, 2018

As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your treasured memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.

Kenny Miller

September 8, 2018

Always a gentleman, excellent attorney and good friend. He will be missed by many, especially me. He was my attorney for 45 plus years.

Bobbie Miller

September 7, 2018

What a great man! I enjoyed working with Steve on several cases and seeing him at court. He will truly be missed and will always be legendary to me.

Bobbie Miller

September 7, 2018

Psalms 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

Antonia Hall

Sent Flowers

Joni Magedson-Ryan

September 5, 2018

I had the privilege to work with Steve Clifford during my two terms of employment with the Clifford & Brown law firm. He was always a gentleman and a true professional.
I wish to convey my condolences to his entire family during this sad time.
RIP Steve Clifford. It was a pleasure knowing you.
Joni Ryan
Bakersfield, CA

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Steve Nichols

September 4, 2018

Steve was a gracious opponent that made you appreciate his quick wit. Always a gentleman and a person to think of as a friend, Steve will be surely missed where ever he had contacts. I will miss him and think of him often.

September 3, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family,may you find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time

September 3, 2018

I have been a long time friend of Linda's and have volunteered at Memorial Hospital for years and I know all the time and dedication Steve contributed. I send my heartfelt condolences to Elaine and all the kids and grandkids, Linda and Buck- it is so hard.

Pat Gallagher

Melissa Gum

September 3, 2018

Words cannot express how saddened I was to learn of Steve Clifford's passing. I had the privilege of working with him in my capacity as a court reporter in Bakersfield. What a true gentleman, fine human being, and superb trial attorney he was. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the entire Clifford family.

Sincerely,

Melissa Gum

roberta ralston

September 2, 2018

Steve was a classmate in elementary and junior high and BHS--always with a sarcastic wit and clever remark. He was smart and a straight-talking fellow whom we all admired.
Dr. Roberta Ralston

Donna Davis

September 2, 2018

I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Steve. I worked at Memorial for many years and knew Steve as I worked for Larry and Jon and attended the Board meetings. Steve was kind, friendly, had a sense of humor and was very serious about his responsibilities as a Board member. Rest In Peace Steve

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