KRAIG LEE CLIFTON

1973 - 2024

It is with broken hearts that we announce the loss of Kraig Lee Clifton on Sept. 23, 2024. His "Clifton Strong" strength and determination gifted us nine more years after his diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer in 2015. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend.
Kraig is survived by his wife of 22 years, Alissa; children Jay (20), Ryan (17), Morgan (16) and Brandon (13); parents Dale and Manon Clifton; mother-in-law Vicky Corey; father-in-law and mother-in-law Jim and Pat Corey; sister and brother-in-law, Kelley and Chuck Kull; brother and sister-in-law, Kirk and Dee Clifton; "brother" Fred Noel; brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Susan Corey; and sister Michelle Flisnik. He was preceded in death by his brother Kent Clifton, grandparents Dale and Delvina Clifton, Bill Meyer, and Veryle Adams, and brother-in-law Pete Flisnik.
Kraig was born and raised in Tuolumne County. He was a three-sport athlete at Sonora High, graduating in 1992, and became a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. His college track began at Columbia Junior College, where he helped lead the basketball team to its first state championship in 1993. After two years, he transferred to San Bernardino State University finishing out his college basketball career. This is where he met his wife, Alissa, who was playing for the women's basketball team. A perfect match!
He graduated from SBSU earning his teaching credential in 1999 and his master's degree from Concordia University in 2012.
Calaveras High School is where he spent his career beginning in 1999 as a PE teacher and coach. His impact on all basketball programs in Calaveras County will be lasting. Whether it be introducing the sport to an 8-year-old or helping his 18-year-old senior realize their dream of playing college ball. It wasn't just the skills he taught his players, but also the value of integrity, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and work ethic. It's been said, "A good coach improves your game. A great coach improves your life." Kraig improved lives.
Join us for a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Mike Flock Gym, Calaveras High School, 350 High School St., San Andreas, CA 95249. Wear Calaveras High red/gold.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to the CHS basketball programs would be appreciated. Checks for CHS basketball programs can be sent to the address above.