Robert L. Clifford

HOLDEN - Robert L. Clifford, 90, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He is the loving husband of Donette Clifford, with whom he has shared over 50 years of marriage.

Bob was born in Hanover, NH to Charles L. Clifford and Frieda (Leach) Clifford on March 5, 1935. He was the eldest of 8 children and was raised at Woodlawn Farm in West Canaan, NH. Bob was 9 years old when his dad was called to serve his country in World War II. Bob grew up fast, learning how to run the farm with his mom and three younger siblings in his dad's absence. Bob attended Canaan schools and was a member of the Canaan Grange. He graduated from UNH with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and continued his active membership in 4-H club.

Bob made his home in Rutland with Donette, where they both enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables. He cherished deer hunting time with his brothers and loved being outdoors. Bob was a foreman of a landscaping crew at Rutland Nurseries for 38 years. He loved to plow snow, prune, and split firewood in the winter. He found joy in helping others, volunteering for Heifer International's Overlook Farm in Rutland. He raised thousands of dollars for Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) and helped organize and walked in the Rutland CROP Walk for many years.

Bob loved going to family gatherings and boiling sap at the sugar house in West Canaan and at Sabbath Acres in Newport. He especially enjoyed playing cribbage with his friends. His nickname was "Card-Shark Clifford" in college, and he loved playing games of all kinds. He sang in the choir at the First Congregational Church of Rutland and was the lead singer in Canaan High School musicals. Bob was an avid fan of NASCAR races, the Patriots and the Red Sox.

Earlier in his life, he made his home in Gilford, NH with his wife Ginny and their 4 children. He was the Belknap County 4-H Agent and President, and Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club. He "moonlighted" as a ski lift operator at Mt. Rowe Ski Area, a school bus driver, and also raked wild blueberries on the mountains in Gilford in his spare time.

Bob was predeceased by his brother James Clifford, sister Gail Lemere (Roger), and brother David Clifford (Jo Ann).

Bob leaves behind his children, Michael Clifford (Donna), Patti Clifford (Doug Tankard d. 2019), Sandy O'Brien (Kevin), and Rob Clifford (Angela); his grandchildren, Alex Clifford, Benjamin Emery, Aaron Clifford, Rachel O'Brien, Beck O'Brien, Ella Clifford, Norah Clifford, Alyson Lewis, and Jordan Tankard; his great grandchildren, Lily, Jackson, Ozzie, Elijah, and ZaCaria; his siblings, Louise Clifford, Donald Clifford (Cindy), Nancy LaCourse (Bob d. 2016), and Thomas Clifford (Doree). Bob was a wonderful uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful to the amazing staff at Holden Skilled Nursing for the wonderful care they showed to Bob for the past three years. Also thankful for the excellent hospice care received from many kind folks from Notre Dame Health Care.

Family and friends are invited to a calling hour on Thursday, October 23rd from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden, MA, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA or http://weblink.donorperfect.com/MemorialRClifford

Next time you are outside or playing a game of cards, think of Bob.