Clifford (Cliff) N. Knutson passed away on January 19, 2019 in Yuma, AZ of a heart attack at the age of 72. He was born on January 17, 1947 to Malfred and Anna Knutson of Big Sandy, MT where he lived until being drafted into the US Army.
Cliff served in the Vietnam War for one year and relocated to Helena upon his discharge. He attended the Helena Vo-tech and earned a degree in carpentry. He married Catherine Strizich on August 22, 1970. He spent 18 years with Yuhas Millwork and 15 years with the Helena School District #1 until his retirement at age 55. Cliff enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, spending time with his grand kids, and wintering in Yuma, AZ.
Cliff is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cathy; his daughters, Sarah (Mike) Magee of Helena and Holly (Donny) Holmlund of Helena; his sister, Dora Mahood of Great Falls, MT as well as his four-legged friend Sophy.
Surviving grandchildren are Alyssa and Ryan Magee; Madyson, Joseph and Isabelle Holmlund
He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dorothy Geier and Delores Courtnage.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A Reception will follow the burial at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church; 3580 N. Benton Ave in Helena. The family suggests memorials in Cliff’s name go to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 Custer Ave., Helena, MT 59602. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Clifford.
Brenda mclellan says
CATHY SO SORRY FOR YOU LOSS CLIFFORD WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY MY FAMILY HE ALWAYS STOPPED AND VISITED WITH OUR FAMILY IN BISMARCK AND WAS SO KIND HE WOULD TAKE TO TO OAKES IF HE WAS GOING THERE IN THE SUMMER OR OUR COUSIN KARL WOULD TAKE ME I WAS SPOILED BY BOTH HE WAS A GREAT COUSIN AND WILL BE MISSED REST IN PEACE CLIFFORD SENDING PRAYERS AND HUGS FOR YOU ALL
Flossie says
So very sorry to hear about cliff. Prayers and thoughts for you and your family.
Rose Pachl says
Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Cliff. So glad I got to see you both before you left for Yuma. Hugs & Prayers for you are on the way!!
Rose
Jim & Karen Sullivan says
Aunt Cathy, Jim and I are so sorry to hear that Cliff has passed away. It seems like we all had such fun at dinner together with Kim not that long ago. We will never forget Cliff’s great sense of humor and his big bright smile. We are so sorry that we can’t make it to the service. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. It will be a big change finding a new normal, but in time, your pain will diminish.
With love, Jim & Karen Sullivan
Call’s says
Cathy, Sarah, and Holly,
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Sending much love your way.
Pat and Tanya
Carissa Spurzem says
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending you hugs and peace during this time.
Carissa
Jerry & Darlene Smithers says
Dear Cathy;
So sorry to hear of Clifford’s passing. Darlene and I never had the pleasure of visiting Clifford and family over the years and as distant relatives are certainly sorry for not trying to make that happen. I believe the last time we were together for a visit was at Jack Mahood’s funeral in 2007. Once again we are experiencing sad times .
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Sincerely,
Jerry & Darlene Smithers
Dennis and Darlene Abeyta says
Cathy,
We are heart broken for your loss. Dennis said how nice he was and good personality. You and your girls are in our thoughts and prayers.
LouAnn & Chuck Ball says
Cathy, Sarah and Holly,
I am so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. It was always a pleasure to visit with both of you whenever we saw you at Dr. Quinn’s or out at the lake camping. He always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart. His eyes lit up when talking about the girls or grandkids. You were some of the first people we met when we moved to Helena. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Chuck and LouAnn Ball
Laura walker says
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort provide you with the much needed strength and support needed during the hard days(2Cor 1:3,4).
Shannon says
Cathy,
Mom & I are so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing. You’re in our thoughts.
Shannon Bartole & Jackie VanDaele
Roger A. Hagan says
To the Family of Cliff, My prayers are with you in this time of loss. I grew up with Cliff in Big Sandy. When I would come in from the farm we would always end up playing at or near Cliff’s Mom’s home. Cliff was always such a kind and gentle guy. I ran into him a couple times when I lived in Helena and we enjoyed renewing old memories. Sorry for your loss.
Lois Gay says
Cathy and family
I was saddened when I read of Clifford’s death. I wish we could have sat down and talked and I wish I had gotten to know you better. May God be with you during this time of sadness. He once meant a lot to me and I am sure he meant a lot to you as well. Homecoming won’t be as fun any more.
Sherry Cladouhos says
Cathy,
We are sorry to hear about Cliff’s passing.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherry & Tom Cladouhos
Tere E Anderson says
Mrs. Knutson,
Adam and I cannot express how saddened we are by your loss. You’ve been such kind neighbors, if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. Rest in Peace Mr K.
Tere, Adam and kids (at 473)
Tamara Hintz says
So sorry for your loss Cathy. I will miss seeing Cliff when we used to go camping together at Sun Canyon and Canyon Ferry Lake.