In loving memory of Clifford Conner: 1938-2023

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The family of Clifford Charles Conner is sad to announce his passing on Jan. 1, 2023. Cliff was born on July 30, 1938, to John and Edith Conner. He had an older brother, Mel, and a younger brother, Glen. Cliff was a lifelong Battle Ground resident, graduating from Battle Ground High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Lois Stark, in December 1956, and they recently celebrated 66 years together. Cliff is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters, Tani (Elton) Mask and Denise (Randy) Stuart; and son, Don (Kari) Conner. He has 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

After high school, Cliff attended Clark College. He spent most of his career working in the tire business and in construction. In retirement, Cliff and Lois enjoyed traveling in their RV, spending winters in Arizona and square dancing. 

Cliff enjoyed people. He always had a story to tell. He loved visiting with friends at BGHS class reunions and with relatives at family reunions. One of Dad’s favorite places to make new friends and swap stories was the softball fields in Brush Prairie. He spent more than 30 summers there, wearing a variety of hats including cofounder, player, coach, umpire, tournament director and concessionaire. He also liked writing poetry, creating birthday cards and working jigsaw puzzles. 

Cliff loved competition, playing or watching, whether it was sports or a card game. He especially loved baseball as a youngster with his dad and brother, playing through high school. He played tennis, golf and slow pitch softball into his 70s. Other favorites included Yahtzee and Scrabble with Lois, pinochle, watching BGHS basketball and cheering for his grandchildren in anything they were doing. 

There will be a celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 19, 2023, at Battle Ground Community Center, 912 East Main St., Battle Ground. 

In lieu of flowers, we prefer donations to Alzheimer’s research (alz.org).