Clifford “Cliff” Brown passed away on October 16, 2018. He passed of natural causes at home with his family and loved ones surrounding him. Cliff was born to Daniel and Lela Brown on March 29, 1949 in Miles City, MT
Cliff grew up in Miles City, MT and attended school until his junior year. He then moved to Billings, MT graduating from Billings Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1967 and served during Vietnam in Dong Tam, Vietnam He was honorably discharged in December of 1969.
In 1969 he married Sandra Ellerkamp and to this union, two daughters, Cynthia and Danielle, were born. They parted ways in 1975.
He moved back to Miles City and began working for the MT State Highway Dept. building fences. 1972 he and Sandra moved to Sidney, MT and he was a successful Kirby vacuum salesman in Sidney, MT and Miles City, MT area. He moved back to Miles City in 1975 and started driving long haul in a semi-truck from 1975-1987.
He married Susan Olguin in 1980. They drove team in a semi. He later on owned Flyer Advertising Service and Brown’s Pilot Car Service up until 2002. He, became disabled in 2003, and fought his illnesses until the day he passed on.
Cliff enjoyed riding motorcycles, boating, hunting; work was a hobby, and especially loved being around family. Cliff was a very strong and strong minded man, when he set his mind to something he always followed through. He enjoyed being self-employed. There were many gatherings with big dinners through the years that are priceless memories. Cliff went to Sturgis every year until he was no longer physically able to go on his Honda Goldwing. He always took pride in being a veteran, his family, his motorcycles, vehicles, and work.
Cliff was a gentle giant, with a good caring heart. He had a very adventurous soul. He moved to Forsyth in 2008 and enjoyed the small community life. His wife, Susan Brown ended up going to the nursing home in 2012. He faithfully went to see her in his wheel chair weekly. In 2014 Cliff became unable to live by himself, so his daughters, and many wonderful friends helped move him to East Helena in May of 2014. Susan also came to Helena and resided in Big Sky Nursing Home, until her passing in February 2017. Twice a week he went on the HATS bus and really enjoyed getting out into the community. Cliff lived with his daughter Cindy up until his passing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan E. Brown, his brother Daniel G. Brown, his parents, Lela Brown and Daniel M. Brown, and baby sister Sandy Brown.
He is survived by Sharon (Norm) Rabtoy of Hyde Park, VT, Cindy (Dean Morrow) Winkley, Danielle (Wayne) Knutson, grandchildren: Tansen Winkley, Nicole Winkley, Bryan Winkley, and Lela Winkley. Great-Grandchildren: Sophia West-Reed, Sydney Coats, Hailey Reiner, Nicolas Reiner, Ellie Reiner, Kobey Winkley, Karley Winkley, and Khloey Winkley.
Cliff will truly be missed by all his friends and family. He was a fun person to be around and his memories will live on.
A Vigil will be held 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. in Helena. A funeral service will take place 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Cliff’s name be made to the East Valley Fire Department, 2694 Valley Dr, East Helena, MT 59635 “they were always there to assist Cliff when he needed them.” Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Cliff.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 24, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Thursday October 25, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday October 25, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
,
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 24, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Thursday October 25, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday October 25, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
,
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Shorty & Judy says
Prayers are with you all he was a special person and will have a special place in our hearts he will be deeply missed praying for god to give you al the strength now in in the days to come RIP Cliff
Ken and Lois Maruska says
Sending our condolences to the Brown family sorry about the passing of Clifford.