Baron Clifford

Baron (Bear) Vincent Clifford, 53, passed away on Thursday, March 1st in Temecula, CA surrounded by his family following a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. He was born August 12, 1958 in Tucson, AZ. The family moved in 1960 to Albuquerque, NM where he grew up, attending Annunciation grade school and St. Pius X High School graduating in 1976. He then enrolled at New Mexico State University and later transferred to and graduated from Denver University in 1983. Bear loved life and lived it with enthusiasm and an incredible sense of humor. He had a quick wit and an infectious smile with a generous heart that was as big as the man himself. A bit of a renegade, he was never afraid of taking risks. He enjoyed the freedom of riding motorcycles and playing golf and reveled in the company of his family, friends and dogs. Bear was also an incredible cook and master griller and if there were a few items in the pantry, he would manage to make a gourmet meal from them. He enjoyed being with his family and loved surprising them with unexpected visits. While growing up, the family would take water skiing and snow skiing trips. It was snow skiing where Bear excelled with a skill and passion which shone through and which allowed him to exhibit the patience of a great teacher while helping his family members to become better skiers. Bear was an animal lover who shared special relationships with Jack and Bob before him, both superb Golden Retrievers. In Bear’s life and in his illness, Jack was his constant companion. He is survived by Susann, his wife of 20 years and two stepsons and their families; Stacy Winburn, his wife Laura and daughter Akina of Albuquerque; Justin Winburn, his wife Dena and son Jonah of Arvada, CO; parents, Dr. Daniel E. and Patricia C. Clifford of Albuquerque; sister, Carol L. Clifford, her husband James Benson, and their children Andrew, Margaret and Alexander of Corrales, NM; brother Bernard P. Clifford, his wife Rosella and their children Christopher and Patrick, all of Albuquerque; brother Paul M. Clifford, his son Daniel both of Albuquerque and his daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth, both of Omaha, NE. Services in Temecula, California will be held at England Family Mortuary, 27135 Madison Ave., on Sunday March 4th, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be at 6:00 pm at French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, NM on Thursday, March 15th followed by the rosary at 7:00 pm. Mass of The Resurrection will be held at 8:30 am on Friday, March 16th at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, 2621 Vermont St NE, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Bear’s name to an animal rescue/shelter of your choice. Bear’s spirit will live on in the many hearts he touched and the cherished memories he created will provide a lasting legacy for those fortunate enough to have known him.