I met Cliff in the early '90s when our paths crossed walking my Scotties and he, his Schnauzer Grethen. We developed an intimate friendship over the years and as I watched him age and relocate from Rich Street to Walker Street, Warfield and Arizona before returning home to Oakland I was constantly amazed at his prowess of life and its challenges. His partner Joe and my partner Joe both passed away within months of each other in 1999 and those losses cemented our friendship no matter the distance between us. I was blessed to be with him over the past few months, travelling back and forth to ensure he was taken care of, safe, happy and in the best possible care. He did enjoy his watermelon frescas the last few months and it seemed to be one of my primary responsibilities according to Cliff. He enjoyed sitting on the patio near the water fountain, weather permitting and although he knew his time was approaching, I think he wanted to delay it as long as possible. He was a man of great generosity, compassion and endless joy, optimism and eternal youth.
I loved Cliff as a friend and he was in many ways more of a father figure to me than my biological dad who passed away in July. Even in his declining health, Cliff was saddened for me when my dad passed but he had shared his experience of visiting his father before he passed and convinced me to visit with mine before he died. I am grateful for Cliff's experience and his willingness to share that with me as it gave me peace when that time came after having followed his advice . Cliff endured many hardships and countless losses along with bountiful love in many forms during his 99 years and I suspect I speak for all of us on this email thread, our lives have been much enhanced by having been a part of this lovely man's path!
I will miss him greatly but know he is in a better place, at peace, with Joe and all his friends who went before him!
Godspeed dear friend!!!
