It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Clifford John Christian, 74, beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend. He died peacefully after battling several prolonged illnesses on May 26, 2020, at home surrounded by family and his dog Lucy by his side in Helena, MT.
He was born January 16, 1946, in Great Falls to Clifford L. and Jessie C. Christian. He attended grade school in Great Falls and Helena. During those years he was an altar boy and in Father Hartman’s Cathedral boys’ choir. He also enjoyed his summers spent on Salmon Lake at Legendary Lodge. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1964. He then went on to study history and political science at the University of Montana.
One of his fondest childhood memories was spending time in Augusta, MT, where his paternal grandparents homesteaded. He treasured his time spent in Augusta with his grandma Rosetta, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Cliff met Debbie O’Neil the love of his life in 5th grade at St. Mary’s grade school in Helena. They married in June 1967 and spent the next 53 years together. They had five children – Britt Anthony, Kirsten Ann, Andrew Christopher, Craig Donald, and Brett Michael.
Together with his wife Debbie, he found purpose. They have impacted the lives of others by giving them the opportunity to have a second chance. Whether someone needed work, a financial break, or a place to call home, Cliff was the first one to help. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren who live life with compassion, just as he did.
Cliff did not just make a difference in people’s lives, he also worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all Montanans. He began his political career working on many prominent state and national campaigns, including Bob Dole’s Presidential Campaign and Ron Marlene’s Congressional Campaign. He was Deputy Secretary of State under Jim Waltermire. He would then run for Secretary of State in the following term. He was elected to the Helena School Board. Cliff also served local organizations, he worked with the Montana Council on Alcoholism and as a volunteer coordinator for youth group homes.
For many years, Cliff was the Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. He spent countless hours working with communities, volunteers, partners, and the legislature. He was most proud of helping lead the passage of Montana’s Clean Indoor Air Act in 2005, making Montana’s law one of the first in the country. Today, it is illegal to smoke in any public place and tobacco is banned from school property. He worked directly with the Governor’s Office writing the legislation and was the first to testify on its behalf. While watching representatives vote on the law late into the evening, he said – “We are making history”. Cliff worked with health groups to protect Montanans as they increased the tax on all tobacco products and secured funding for the state’s tobacco use prevention and cessation program and veteran’s homes. The results are impressive. Cigarette smoking among youth has decreased by more than 70% and cigarette sales have decreased by more than 50%! Now, you can take your family out for a meal anywhere in Montana and enjoy breathing clean air and know that Cliff helped make this possible. He considered this to be one of his greatest achievements. He would go on to receive an award from Montana’s DPHHS and an honorary degree from the University of Montana for this work.
His interests included fishing, hunting, reading, racquetball, skiing, golf, real estate, Grizzly Athletics, and singing to his grandchildren.
Cliff is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Britt Anthony, in-laws Don and Mary O’Neil, and many beloved family pets. He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Kirsten Christian Wrzesinski, Andrew (Ki-Ai McBride) Christian, Craig Christian & Brett Christian. Brothers Tom (Debbie) Christian and Clark (Diane) Christian. He is also survived by his grandchildren Cavan Wrzesinski (Shelby Pugh), Lauren Wrzesinski, Madison Christian, Bridger Mason, Zoei White, sons at heart Chris Sims, Skyler Kroll and his dog who never left his side, Lucy. He also leaves behind many treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friend Vern Hoven.
He will be deeply missed by us all, as well as a large circle of friends and colleagues. His integrity, generosity, and legacy will never be forgotten.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Our heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who loved and cared for Cliff. And to Father Dan Shea for all his help along the way.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at Our Lady of the Valley, 1502 Shirley Road in Helena. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. This will be Cliff & Debbie’s 53rd anniversary. Masks are encouraged.
Remembrances in Cliff’s name may be made to Lewis and Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, God’s Love 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, 59601, Helena Food Share P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624-0943, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Cliff.
Connie Gilmore Foust says
I remember Cliff as a man with integrity, intelligence with a great sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rae Olsen says
Dear Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. Please extend my condolences to your family. Cliff and I had a wonderful friendship through some complicated political battles and some real estate investment adventures. I remember him most for the great love he had for you and your children. I know the shared memories and laughter will comfort you in this time. His great smile and ready sense of humor will be missed by all.
Mary Ann Gregory says
Debbie. Cliff, to me, was a very carrying man who was the best boss I could have ever had. I know your faith will carry you through the coming times. I pray that the Lord will bless and keep you safe in his loving arms.
Jim Tucker says
Debbie,
A sorrow shared…
Jim Tucker
Patty Dahl says
Debbie dear…my heart is with you and your family. Please let me know what I can do to support you. I know Cliff is at peace. I will continue to pray for you all. My love, Patty
Shirley Cole says
Debbie and family My deepest sympathy to you and yours and I pray that God grant you peace and love. I owed Cliff
a big thank you for hiring me as he was the Director of the Realtors Association. I always admired you and your family and had loved your family while I was working there. Again, I know what a fine and upstanding family you have and I remember that my Dad said he and Cliff were cousins. I guess the grandmothers were sisters I always treasured that info as I admired your family very much. We know Cliff is in the palm of God’s hand. Blessings and love.
Shirley
Noreen Raynor says
Debbie, I know these are and have been hard times for you, Cliff and the whole family. I am so sorry. Cliff was a great guy.
Take care and God Bless
Dave McAlpin says
Without Cliff Christian, Montana would still have smoking in bars and restaurants. He took enormous risks and was personally attacked for his stand against tobacco, especially as it affected children and workers who were exposed to it through no fault of their own. He was one of only a few proponents of a bill in the Montana legislature to prohibit smoking with kids in cars, despite the notion it was government sticking its nose in people’s private business. We should think about Cliff every time we go to dinner with our families and don’t have to breath second hand smoke.
Dave McAlpin
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Debbie and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Cliffs passing. He fought a battle with his health for many years as I’m sure you all fought with him. He will surely be missed in the community of Helena and the State of Montana.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Debbie and family, Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to you and the rest of the family. Cliff was a great person in so many ways, especially as a husband and family man.
Valerie R says
Sweet Debbie and family,
Cliff’s obituary was beautiful and what an extraordinary man he was,
and I’m so sorry I never knew him. Thank you to him for helping to get the
Indoor Clean Air act passed. I will always think of him now with deepest gratitude.
My heartfelt condolences to you and the family losing such a special man in your life.
Treasure your many memories and may your faith, family, and many friends bring you
comfort and peace till we’re all reunited one day. God bless you!
Love,
Valerie R.
Ocala, Florida
Brad Lancaster says
Debbie,
I was sad to hear of Cliff’s passing. The story of his life was wonderful and his love of family was clearly first and foremost!
Brad Lancaster
Helena
Stephen Kasperick says
Sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Ciff & I became friends during our NCO summer camp in the 70’s. He was a great guy……
Denny Rickert says
Cliff was one of he Good Guys
Sally Russell says
Kirsten and family
So sorry about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now, and in the days ahead.
Love you my friend and God Bless all of you.
Rick O’Connell says
Debbie and family. The Big Sky is a sadder place with Cliff’s passing but Heaven just got a little brighter. We’ll miss his big smile and can do attitude. Our thoughts go out to you.
Rick and Jan
larry clifford says
It was an honor and privilege to know Cliff. He was so talented and a great businessman too! He was a tremendous family man and my condolences at his passing. He is truly one of the finest people I have ever met.
Gay Ann Masolo says
Dear Debbie and family, The obituary was a great tribute to Cliff. You know my prayers are so with all of you and I will take you to lunch at a later date. Would love to attend the funeral but feel all the family comes first during this pandemic. Our love and hugs, Bob and Gay Ann
Roxanne Hiesterman says
Debbie and family,
We are saddened by Cliff’s passing. We remember his vitality and contributions to our community west of town. We send our sympathy to you and your family.
The Hiesterman’s
Gail Kriskovich says
Dear Debbie and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Just read his obituary, and it is so fitting for such a nice guy, good husband , great dad, grandfather and friend. Keeping you all in my prayers. Miss seeing you, Debbie at our Helena dinners and lunches. Sending hugs and love.
Gail Kriskovich
Maggi Corbett says
Debbie and family…I was so sorry to read of Cliff’s death. Please know that I think of you often and hope your memories of the amazing life you and Cliff made will help. Your strength and kindness to all has always been a hallmark of my connection to you guys through my sister, Maureen McKinnon. My prayers are with you.
With sympathy…in friendship,
Maggi McKinnon Corbett
WARREN WILLIAMS says
I am reaching out to set up a time to discuss a contract law matter. Please email your convenient date and time for a telephone call.
Thank you,
Warren Williams.
Velox Disposals, Inc.