Clifford G. Verworn passed away peacefully at home with loving wife Mary by his side, February 25, 2014 after a long illness.
Cliff was born September 2, 1936 to Ida (Sprecher) and Edward Verworn in Missoula. He was the oldest of six Children.
Cliff’s impeccable work ethic began when he was 5 years old. The family had moved to Garrison and it was Cliff’s job to walk the train tracks with his wagon and collect coal that had fallen from the coal cars to heat the family home.
Cliff attended grade school in Garrison and Powell County High School in Deer Lodge.
As a young boy in Garrison, Cliff fell in love with ranching working for Mollenberg’s Milking cows. His relationship with the Monllenbergs lead to Cliff’s meeting Aaron and Betty Gravely and Soren Beck of Avon. Cliff was 14 when he started working for both ranches. Many years later cliff was still going to Avon on the weekends and spent summer vacations helping Soren Beck through haying season.
Cliff enlisted in the Air Force January 3, 1955. The majority of his service time was spent at Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK, where he was awarded Airman of the month.
After his Air Force service he returned to Garrison where he worked as a Gandy Dancer for Northern Pacific Railroad. During that time he met the love of his life, Mary Kuenning. They were married August 14, 1959.
In 1961 Cliff moved his young family to Helena so he could attend Engines and Aircrafts School on his GI Bill. To earn extra money, he worked part-time for Jack Smith at Jack’s Texaco Station on 11th Avenue.
In 1964 Cliff began working for Caird Engineering. This began a lifelong career with Caird’s. Cliff partnered with Tom Plovanich in 1989 and they bought the Caird business. They reopened as Caird Steel Fabrication which Cliff was still a partner of upon his death. Their work can be found at the Gates of the Mountains, the cross atop the new dorm at Carroll College, Helena High, The Federal Reserve and many other places throughout Helena as well as throughout the state.
Caird Steel Fabrication partnered with Tom Ballard repairing feed rolls. This resulted in the need for offsite repairs at various feed lots. Cliff and Tom Ballard traveled to feed lots across Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota (which lead to a colorful story from Sturgis) and Canada.
Cliff enjoyed restoring vehicles, from rebuilding the engines, to the body work and paint jobs. He built flat bed and fifth wheel trailers as well as a beautiful arbor and a custom headboard for his wife. Cliff and Mary also built 2 barns together, the larger one eventually becoming Cliff’s shop.
Cliff loved his animals, especially his horse Charlie (EZ Does It April Star). Charlie was a 6 month old colt when he was given to Cliff. He eventually gentled Charlie for riding. He and Many enjoyed many rides together on their horses in the Elk Horns.
Several years ago Cliff’s health started to decline. This resulted in many years of being misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He was finally diagnosed correctly in June 2013 with LBS, a severe form of Parkinson’s. The family wishes to thank Dr. Nicole Clark for finally giving the correct diagnosis. This just goes to prove get a 2nd, 3rd or 4th opinion.
We want to thank Frontier Hospice nurses Celeste, Diane, Jennifer, Angela, Jackie and April, as well as Debbie, our bath assistants, Marrie, Gwen and Paul.
A special thank to our Carroll pre-med student volunteers Eric and Chance, also a loving worm thank you to Ryan Liberg. Thank you to Dr. Kathleen Kellogg and a warm thank you to Rev. Kathy Barker.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Rae and Arnold Kuenning and Brother-in-law Skip Burk. He is survived by devoted wife Mary; daughter Roxianne; son Skip (Deena); granddaughters, Lyndsey (Casey) Harris and MyKaylee as well as his beloved pets, Skye, Precious and Buff. Also surviving Cliff are his siblings, Jean (Bill), Scott, Shirley (Dennis) McFadden, Norman, Betty Burk, Karen (Leo) Scholler; Brothers-in-law John Crosnoe, Sam (Sandy) Marquess; sisters-in-law Karen (Jack) Kuenning-bohl and Chris Kuenning as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to neighbors Debbie Thorpe, Chad and Marci Parks, Dan and Jo Sturdevant and special friends Deputies Dean Hildebrand and Dave Kosola for all you have done.
The most important thank you goes to my Mother, Mary who took such incredibly good care of my dad. The care she provided him was second to none. I’m so blessed to have witnesses the love and devotion she showed my dad to the end. I know when Dad left this earth; he knew he was loved forever. Thank you so much Mom, your Daughter.
Graveside Services will be held at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison in June 2014, Date to be announced. Donations can be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, Frontier Home Health & Hospice, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601 or the charity of your choice.
Ron & Judy Curtiss says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to your family. May he rest in peace.
Gary Marks says
I am saddened to here of Cliffs passing. I had many dealings with him since his early years at Cairds. Very nice and caring man. God bless all of you .
Erin & Brad Cobban says
Dearest Aunt Roxanne & family… May time heal your broken hearts. Its such a hard time right now. I pray for peace in knowing Clifford is not suffering anymore. He is working on all those things he loved to do. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Love ya Aunt Rox.
William G Schroeder says
Mary, and family,
Our deepest sympathy, are with at this time of loss. our prayers are with you also, as our Lord and Savior be with you in the days to come.
Cousin
Bill Schroeder and wife Patricia
Debby Thorpe says
Dear Mary, I am so sorry I was unable to be at the graveside services, but my heart is with you.
Cliff was a dear man, and you were a wonderful wife.
Deb