Clifford R. Kuhn

Clifford R. Kuhn, April 19, 1944 - August 16, 2005Clifford (Cliff, known as Randy when he was growing up) made his presence known to this world on April 19, 1944 in Beaverton, Oregon. His parents were Dr. Clifford W. and Florence Kuhn (R.N.) and he was raised in the Portland/Beaverton area. Cliff was predeceased by his mother when he was 15 years old, by his father in January 1999, and his sister, Barbara Kuhn-Bright, in December 1999.Cliff graduated in 1962 from Sunset High School in Beaverton, Oregon where he was on the varsity wrestling team. He attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon until he took a 3-year sabbatical, from December 1, 1965 to October 1, 1968, and served a tour of duty in the United States Army. He trained as a court reporter during the winter of 1966 at the Navy School of Justice in Newport, Rhode Island. He then served as a court reporter with the 7th Infantry Division at Camp Casey, Korea, located one mile from the 38th parallel (the D.M.Z.). After leaving the Army he took a few months off to tour Japan.In 1969, he returned state side and graduated from Willamette University with degrees in History and in Economics. In December of 1970, he graduated from the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management with a post-graduate degree in International Business. Then, in 1974, he graduated from the Northwest School of Law at Lewis and Clark College with a Juris Doctorate degree.His legal experience began in 1973, when he was employed as a Rule 9 Intern in the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Vancouver, Washington. He worked there until 1975. From February 1975 to February 1976, Clifford was employed as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Vancouver, Washington.He then worked as a staff attorney from February 1976 to February 1980, at Roethler and McCulloch, Attorneys-at-law in Longview, Washington.

While he was there he was promoted to a partner at the law firm. Again, Cliff stretched his wings and became a sole practice lawyer in Longview, Washington from February 1980, until he was told by his doctors to close his practice in December 2004.

Cliff was active in many associations, which included the title of president to the Kelso Kiwanis, past president of the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Bar Association, Superior Court Commissioner and as a legal arbitrator.

In addition to being known as an "aggressive", "take no prisoners" trial attorney, Cliff was many things to many people. He had many passions. His biggest passion and most prized possession was his wife, Bonnie Brady-Kuhn, whom he loved deeply and enjoyed pampering and spoiling. They meet in May 1991 and married July 4, 1991. She survives him at home. Next was cooking. He was an accomplished gourmet chef, who enjoyed spending hours shopping for and preparing feasts for the eyes and palettes of his wife and friends. Fine automobiles, they too always had a special place in his heart. He and his wife spent may summer days exploring the twisting and winding roads of Washington, Oregon, California, British Columbia, Nevada, Montana and Wyoming. He also enjoyed learning new things, including, growing herbs to use in the meals he prepared, gardening, and Japanese flower arranging. Cliff spent much time tending his plants and roses as a way of keeping life in perspective, and work at the office. They reflected his compassion and kindness. He loved giving his wife fresh flower bouquets, exotic arrangements or even a single orchid stem nearly every week of their marriage.Other hobbies and interests included detailing and driving his cars, playing tennis, watching football, baseball, auto racing, and ice skating, studying history, especially military, shopping at upscale grocery markets, ballroom dancing, waltzing, swing, etc., remodeling and decorating his home, conversations in German, and foreign travel. For those of us who knew Cliff well he could be described as very strong willed, but he was always fair. He had a sense of humor that was entertaining, intelligent, and wickedly funny. Cliff had eclectic taste in music. He was indeed a perfectionist, elegant and refined, yet always a gentleman, a thought provoking conversationalist, artistic, charismatic, and had keen eyes for finding beauty in everything. Cliff was a mentor to many. The impact he had on so many lives is still being exhibited in the lives of the people that surrounded him and his wife. Most of us could only dream of having the emotional intimacy, caring, and respect that Cliff and Bonnie had, and still have, for each other. It would be fair to say that few people have or ever will experience this kind of closeness.

As "Cliff says" he may have lost his battle with cancer on August 16, 2005, but he won the war. He did in fact (just as he did in his closing arguments) get the last word. We expected no less from him. Now Cliff has begun a new life, learning new and grander things as he drives the back roads of Heaven. We wish you all the best Cliff, and like the flowers that you cared for, those of us who knew you will always be touched by the person that you were, and still are, to us. May God bless you and keep you in HIS beautiful garden. Services will be held in the Longview Presbyterian Church, 3808 Pennsylvania Street, Longview, Washington, August 26, 2005 at 11:00 a.m.For those that wish to make contributions to an organization please do so in Cliff's name to Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.Columbia Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.