Ronald Dean Clift

Ronald Dean Clift, 74, lost his battle to congestive heart failure, and passed away on Friday February 10, 2023, at his home in Davis with his wife by his side. 

Ron was born on March 5, 1948, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and was the son of a career Air Force father. As his dad was transferred, Ron lived in Paris, France, Italy, Midwest City, OK, Rapid City SD, Gulfport MS, and small towns in Montana. When his dad retired in Davis in 1963, Ron attended Davis Senior High School where he played football and graduated in 1966. After he went to UC Davis for two years. Ron learned how to code and worked as a manager for EDs and ended his career in technology working for HP. 

Ron was an amazing football player and wore his #21 for the Blue Devils proudly. In 1965 Ron made a game winning run that allowed the quarterback to score and beat Woodland High school his senior year. Ron continued his love of sports by becoming an avid golfer. He and his wife would take trips all over the country to play on the best golf courses. Ron’s humor was contagious. He continued interacting with others in the community by going to all his favorite restaurants, and getting to know the workers at Crepeville, Cattlemens, Paesanos, Tres Hermanas, and Café Bernardo. Ron and Donna were together for 40 years and married for 39 years. 

Ron is survived by his wife Donna Clift, son Ryan Clift, daughters Korie Martinez and Rachel Clift, granddaughter Elysia Martinez, grandson Carter Clift, nieces Lauren (Clift) French, Anna Clift, Sara (Clift) Fefferman, Danielle Alvarez, Jenelle Alvarez, Elizabeth Peters, Monika Peters, Claire Peters, nephews Michael Peters, Timothy Peters, brother-in-law Jeff Peters (Kathy), and sisters-in-laws Cary (Valdrow) Meggers (Jacob), Cynthia (Peters) Alvarez.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Eileen Clift, and by his brothers Dennis and James Clift. 

Ron’s funeral will be held at the Davis Cemetery Saturday February 25, 2023, at 2pm and a celebration of his life will be held immediately following at Tres Hermanas.