Clifford Duane Sears, age 68, passed away on October 9, 2010 after sustaining injuries from a fall off of a local bus on September 20, 2010. May he feel the comfort of his Lord and Savior and rest in peace.  We will always cherish the memories.

Clifford was born November 9, 1941 to Clarence and Claudia Sears in Yakima WA to which he experienced a rewarding childhood as one of six children.  After graduation from Marquette High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent the majority of his career as a radioman aboard the USS Ranger in Okinawa, Japan.  After being honorably discharged, he spent some time as a K9 police officer in North Bend, but eventually made his home in Sedro Woolley in 1981.  In 1982 his life changed after meeting and marrying the girl of his dreams, Deborah Wirtz.  In 1984 the two were blessed with their son, Christopher Ryan Sears.

Clifford enjoyed being a father; together with his wife Debbie, they fostered many children in need of a good home. Throughout the years, Clifford and Debbie had two surrogate sons, Ryan Stafford of Midland, TX and Bryan Simpson of Mt. Vernon, WA.  Cliff had a strong belief in treating thy neighbor as he would be treated and it reflected in everything that he did in life.

After retiring from his military and police service, he chose to make his life’s work helping others.  He volunteered for many causes including St. Vincent de Paul, Helping Hands Food Bank, the Knights of Columbus, and various church programs.  He spent 10 years volunteering his time as a grounds keeper at Immaculate Conception School.  That was his nature; if he could help out in any way, no matter how tired or busy, he would without hesitation.  He looked forward to the local carnivals every year.  It was here that he spent time taking care of the curly fries for the Knights of Columbus food vending bus.

Nobody was ever a stranger to Cliff.  He was always giving away hugs and smiles; he truly brought joy to those around him.  He had a daily routine of catching the local bus to Food Pavilion for coffee and doughnuts while visiting friends and people watching.  That simple joy will be forever cherished by many.

Cliff was a huge Seattle Mariner fan…even though he quoted them as being “garbage” in recent times, he never missed a televised game.  He was lucky to go to a few games a year because of his uncanny ability to win tickets from KBRC Radio.  He called every morning to win the trivia games and talk to the host DJ’s.

He is survived by his wife Debbie, son Christopher and his companion Emily Morrison, Ryan Stafford, Bryan Simpson, two sisters – Corrine McCafferty of Yakima and Nadine Hall of Kennewick, his brother Jeff Sears and wife Julie of Yakima, many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as beloved pets Scooter, Mya and Cali the cat.  The family would like to thank his nurses and doctors at Harborview Hospital for the outstanding care of not only Cliff, but his family as well.

Cliff did not have final expense insurance of any sort, so donations to help defray expense of medical and funeral costs can be made at any Skagit State Bank in his name and/or to Immaculate Conception Regional School in Mount Vernon Washington.

Rosary will be before the services at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro Woolley  on October 30, 2010 starting at 12:15 PM.  A Funeral mass will follow at 1:00 PM.  Services and arrangements under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.