NATICK: Ronald W. Clifford, 85, died peacefully in the care and comfort of his family following a brief illness on Friday, September 23, 2011.
He was born in Paris, Maine on April 10, 1926 the son the late Merton K. Clifford and Bertha (Wight) Clifford.
Ronald was the beloved husband for 62 years of the late Goldie E. (Hall) Clifford who died on November 22, 2010. He was the loving father of Barry W. Clifford and his wife Rose of Natick and Beth E. Connolly and her husband Dennis of Oakton, Virginia. Cherished grandmother of Mark Green of Burlington, VT, Christopher Green of Oakton, VA, Maeve Clifford and Owen Clifford both of Natick.
Ronald spent his formative years in Paris, Maine and graduated from Paris High School. He served his country proudly during World War II as an Aviation Electronic Technician with the United States Navy in the American Theatre. He received his BS and his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Maine in Orono. He began his career as a Town Manager for the towns of Millbridge, Mexico, Lincoln and Orono, Maine. For many years he was the purchasing director for the University of Orono and then in the same position with Northeastern University on Boston. He also served the Town of Andover as the purchasing director and retired after ten years with Beth Israel Hospital in Boston as their Purchasing Director.
He and his wife Goldie were members of the Square Riggers of Wellesley and loved to square dance. They were the recipients of the lifetime achievement award, known as the Yankee Clipper Award, for their efforts and support of the square dance community. While residing in Natick they were active with the First Congregational Church in Natick. In his earlier years, he was an Eagle Scout and he was a Cub Scout master for his son Barry. He served for 20 years as an elected town meeting member for Natick and served on many town committees. He was an owner and enthusiast of antique cars. He was an active member of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America and was a renowned expert on 1937 Fords. He was a contributor to many articles and books on the subject of antique automobiles featuring 1937 Fords. He loved to travel with his wife and children and will be fondly remembered by all the lives that he touched.
Visitations will be held on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Rd. (Off Rte 30), Cochituate Village, Wayland.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Eliot Church, 45 Eliot St, South Natick.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in the Clifford family lot in Riverside Annex Cemetery in South Paris, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that memorial gifts in his memory be sent to the Early Ford V-8 Foundation, POB 284, Auburn, IN 46706 and would be appreciated.