Monday, March 20, 2017



Pat's Dad was buried today. The past few days have been filled with love. He was a wonderful man. This was his obituary. 
Paul Clifford, age 95 of Midland, Michigan, passed away Thursday March 16, 2017, at his home.   Son of the late Clyde and Ursula (Sterling) Clifford, Paul was born August 31, 1921, in Bay City, Michigan. He graduated from St. Joseph High School. He met his wife, Fern (Crower) Clifford, at the Red Lion in Bay City and they were married at St. Norbert's Parish in Munger, Michigan on December 27, 1943. Paul and Fern just celebrated 73 years of marriage.
Paul sailed on many Great Lakes Freighters, including the William Edenborn, John Hulst, Henry C. Frick and the Leon Fraser, where he was known by the nickname, "Iggy." He served in the United States Army during World War II. He went to work for The Dow Chemical Company and retired after 30 years of service. Paul was a longtime member of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church where he served as an usher and was involved in many other activities. Paul and Fern are current members of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Paul was a lifelong artist and a member of the Midland Artists Guild. At the age of 80 he had his first public art show at the MidMichigan Medical Center. Paul enjoyed softball until the age of 85, playing pitcher or outfielder on city teams and the Dow League. He built two homes for his family one in Bay City and one in Midland. He had the reputation for being able to fix anything. Paul had a saying for just about anything and his grandchildren, in particular, loved hearing them. "Do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb?" was one expression. And his very favorite quote, when you asked him where someone was, usually was answered, "They went out behind the barn and the hogs ate them!"
Besides his wife, Paul is survived by their children, Catherine Clifford (Denis Portier) of Lansing, David Clifford of Lansing, Bernard (Bonnie) Clifford of Seattle, Washington, Daniel Clifford of Almont, Patrick (Mary Ellen) Clifford of Freeland; and Mary Clifford (Steve Hammond) of Midland; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; his devoted sister, Millie (Chet) Pawloski of Bay City; sister-in-law Betty (John) Clifford and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis “Joe”, Bob, Bill, Fred and John Clifford; sister, Marie (Fred) Meyer; and special daughters- in- law, Karen Clifford, Paula Clifford, Connie Erway and Jan Craig.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11:00 am Monday, March 20, 2017 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Fr. Kevin Maksym officiating. The rite of committal will be at 2:00 p.m. in St. Agnes Cemetery, Sanford with Military Funeral Honors being provided by the Unites States Army and the Midland Area Veterans. Family will receive friends on at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd., Midland on Sunday 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm and at church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A Christian Vigil service will take place 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to Catholic Relief Services via Blessed Sacrament Church. Personal messages of condolence maybe offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com

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