Steven F. Clifford

Steven F. Clifford, 64, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and distinguished research scientist, died at home on Tuesday, September 18, 2007.
Steven was born to J. Nelson and M. Dorothy Clifford in Boston, Massachusetts on January 4, 1943. He graduated from Boston College High School, and in 1965 he received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering Science (Theoretical Physics) from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. Steven came to Boulder with his young family in July of 1969 for post-doctoral work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. From 1969 – 1982 he was a physicist with the Wave Propagation Laboratory at NOAA, and from 1982 – 1986, Chief of the Propagation Studies Program Area at WPL. He graduated from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Managers in Government in 1986. Dr. Clifford was Director of the Environmental Technology Laboratory, (ETL, formally WPL) from 1986 – 2001. ETL had a staff of 130, with more that 50 Ph.D.'s conducting research in Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences with a view toward developing novel geophysical remote sensing techniques. Most recently Dr. Clifford served as a Research Scientist Emeritus with the University of Colorado's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES).
Dr. Clifford has published extensively in atmospheric optics, acoustics, and electromagnetism, with more than 130 titles. Five of these publications were awarded the NOAA/ERL Outstanding Paper Award. In 1997 he was inducted into U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and in 1998 was the recipient of the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award. Dr. Clifford is a Fellow of both the Optical and Acoustical Societies of America, and a Senior Member of the IEEE. He has been chairman of the Atmospheric Optics Technical Group of the Optical Society of America, associate editor of the Journal of the Optical Society of America, and topical advisor for Atmospheric Optics. In addition, Dr. Clifford was the NOAA representative to the DOD Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) advisory board (1999 – 2001). He was appointed to the NRC/National Academy of Sciences Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC), in January 2000. He was chair of the National Research Council National Academy of Sciences (NRC/NAS) workshop on "Weather Forecasting Accuracy for Federal Aviation Administration Traffic Flow Management" January 2002 – December 2002, member of the NRC/NAS Panel on "Tools for Tracking Chemical/Biological/Nuclear Releases in the Atmosphere : Implications for Homeland Security" January 2002 – March 2003, member of the NRC/NAS "Committee on Future Directions in Weather Modification Research", January 2002 – December 2002. Dr. Clifford is also a member of the American Physical Society, the American Geophysical Union, the American Meteorological Society, and the International Union of Radio Science. He is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.
Steven was the proud father of three children, Cheryl Clifford Rapoza (Jim), of Weymouth, Massachusetts; David Clifford (Elisabeth), of Los Angeles, California; Michelle Clifford, (Bill Held), of Boulder, Colorado; and grandpa of adored grandchildren, Zachary, 4 ½, and Alyssa, 2 ½.
In 1996, Steven married Theresa Kavanagh (Terri), in Boulder, Colorado, and his family grew to include two stepchildren, Alison Collins of Boulder and Kristopher Collins of Denver. Steven and Terri had 13 wonderful years together, and they recently moved to a condo on Pearl Street in Boulder, where Steven especially enjoyed the Flatirons view while sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine.
Steven will also be remembered by his brother, Robert Clifford and his wife Betsy of Hingham, Massachusetts, his 92 year old father, J. Nelson Clifford, who resides in San Diego, California, and his former wife, Jane Parks, of Thornton, CO. He was preceded in death by his mother, M. Dorothy Clifford, in 1998.
Throughout his life, sports played an integral part in Steven's life. As a younger man, he excelled at baseball and enjoyed basketball and skiing. As the years passed, he became a dedicated "couch" sports enthusiast – especially for his beloved Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche and Red Sox. He was an avid world traveler and crossword puzzler.
Steven had a profound influence upon, and was integral to the success of many family members, friends and colleagues. A brilliant mentor in all areas of life, and perfect companion to his wife Terri, Steven will be missed immensely. His brilliant mind, sense of humor, work ethic, gentle and unassuming manner, and his kindness will live on in all those who knew him, and he will be remembered by all as a significant and wonderful part of their lives.
A celebration of Steven's inspiring life is scheduled for Monday, September 24, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at the Stadium Club at the University of Colorado's Folsom Field.
Steven's family decided that a fitting tribute would be a scholarship fund at the University of Colorado, so he can continue to influence future generations. Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated via the following address: Steven F. Clifford Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o University of Colorado Foundation, 4740 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80301, 800-405-9488, www.cufund.org

This obituary was originally published in the Daily Camera.