Clif Caughron (Ralph Clifton) passed away peacefully at home in Helena on February 17, 2024 in the loving presence of his wife Margy and stepdaughter, Anna. Clif was 77 when he passed after an 18 month struggle with liver cancer. Clif was born on September 30, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Elizabeth (Betty) Perry and Ralph Glidden. Betty returned to Great Falls where she had spent most of her childhood when Clif was a year and a half old. There she married William Caughron who eventually adopted him. Though Clif grew up as an only child, he later learned he had half siblings, David, Skip, Nancy and Julie.
Growing up in Great Falls afforded Clif many adventures and outdoor activities including fishing, swimming and hunting. When Clif was 8 he had a ground breaking surgery at Mayo Clinic for constrictive pericarditis. His comfort during the painful recovery at Mayo was a Bible he requested and his early involvement in the Methodist Church was a strong influence in his lifelong spiritual quest. Clif was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His scouting experiences, time spent in the wilderness and the relationships he made were formative and a deeply positive influence on his life. Clif was very wilderness savvy and shared his knowledge with those fortunate enough to spend time with him in the out-of-doors.
Upon graduating from Great Falls High School, Clif attended Montana State University where he was a member of Lamba Chi Alpha fraternity. He married Andrea Olson and they moved to California where he became a revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service. After they divorced he transferred to Denver and married Kathleen Mayer. Together they had one son, Colin. While working Clif attended law school at night and earned his JD degree from the University of Denver, later working for a large law firm. After Clif and Kathy ended their marriage Clif re-met a high school classmate, Margy Kernan, and moved to Helena to be with her and her family.
Not long after Clif came to Helena he made a Cursillo and afterwards became part of a Fourth Day Prayer Group. The men in that group have remained faithful for over 30 years, to meeting, sharing and praying. They are Clif’s friends and support and have been part of his spiritual journey. He has been so grateful for these men in his life! Clif served as a rector for a Cursillo and became a Eucharistic minister and lector at St. Mary Catholic Community.
Clif opened a general practice law firm but eventually focused on bankruptcy, helping thousands of individuals who were in financial trouble. He later held two jobs – as a part time field representative for the U.S. Census Bureau and as a tax professional and Enrolled Agent where he was always proud of making sure people received the best returns possible.
Love of nature and love of animals of underscored Clif throughout his life. He had many beloved dogs and while in California and Colorado he raised, trained, field trialed and championed Irish setters. His love of the out of doors included camping, especially with family, boating and eventual involvement with the Backcountry Horsemen. He loved the trips into the wilderness areas, trail clearing projects and spending time with other horse-minded people.
In California Clif succeeded in winning in Backgammon tournaments and with global access through the internet he more recently found himself playing with people from all over the world. Clif loved movies and was a wealth of knowledge about actors, actresses and movies of most every genre. He also was a fan of news shows and television series. He had a wealth of knowledge about many subjects and coming up with an historical fact or obscure bit of trivia was never a surprise to those who knew him.
Clif was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Nancy and Skip and many very beloved animals. He is survived by his wife Margy (Margaret) Kernan, daughter Erinleigh Michaud (Andrew), son Colin Caughron, stepdaughter Anna Rolando, stepson Peter Rolando (Shelly) and grandchildren Henry, Avery and Elise and William and Jennie, and siblings David Washburn (Faith) and Julie Emerson. Clif will be greatly missed by his family, extended family including the Casnes’, friends and clients. Those who know and love him are grateful he has journeyed now with faith into God’s hands.
A Vigil will be held at St. Mary Catholic Community at 6:00 PM February 29 and a Mass of Resurrection will follow the next day at 11:00 AM with reception immediately after in the Social Center at St. Mary Catholic Community. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena. Memorials in his remembrance may be made to a charity of your choice or to St. Mary Catholic Community.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Thursday February 29, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 29, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 1, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday March 1, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Friday March 1, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Thursday February 29, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 29, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 1, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday March 1, 2024
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Friday March 1, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bill & Maureen says
Margy,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our prayers as you move through this difficult time.
Eternal rest and perpetual light are upon Cliff. May he rest in peace.
Bill & Maureen
Phyllis Pettapiece Ryan says
Dear Margy and family, as we, the class of 1964 approach our reunion and as I read Clif’s well written obituary, memories resound from those old hallways and byways. I, too feel a sense of loss and I need you to know your former classmates and band members remember and are here for you. In prayer and support.
Judy Carrigan says
Dear Margy and Erinleigh, We are so sorry to read about the loss of Cliff. We remember you all so fondly from our Irish dancing days. We hold caring thoughts for you and pray that you will feel the support and love of those around you during this sad time. Judy Carrigan and Sarah (Carrigan) Galloway
Jim Tonkovich says
Margy, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Laurie Kops says
Margy and Anna…
I didn’t know Cliff incredibly well, but was around him enough to know how very knowledgeable he was on many topics of discussion and that if you got him to talk about a subject he was passionate about, you would learn so much. He never failed to acknowledge others, and was quite understanding about the human condition, and why humans do what they do. His passing is a significant loss, and I will be holding you and your clan close to my heart.
Margy Kernan says
Thank you all for your comments. They shine a light on how Clif had far reaching impact on others. I am grateful and believe Clif is at peace in Christ’s light.
Andrea Niehuis says
My brother just told me about Clif’s passing. He was a very special person and I am so sorry to hear about him. We were married for about 10 years and I was hoping to see him at the high school reunion this summer. Best wishes to his family.