Name: Chapel of the Pines
Address: Placerville, CA

Most of my memories of Cliff make me laugh...this one day we had invited  all of the Brattons over for dinner at 6:00pm  Cliff showed up at 5:00 which was fine but he only had Katie and Morgan with him.  When I questioned him he had a very perplexed look on his face and said "Hey I heard 5:00 and kids that's my story and I'm sticking to it!"  We miss Cliff very much but know he is watching over the family and is very proud.

We just heard of Cliff's passing and was saddened by the news.  He too was responsible for beautiful finished carpentry in our home along with his coworker and friend Bill Mott.  We were present when he & Elizabeth walked down the aisle.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Cliff was one in a million, a gentle soul who touched all with kindness and warmth.   I still find it hard to grasp that he's gone, thankfully his spirit will continue on through his family and friends.  He was a genuinely nice person who truly cared about those around him. 
I have many fond memories of adventures spent with Cliff.  He was game for anything and always made the trips more enjoyable. The first time I met Cliff was a beautiful winter's day hiking the trails of Cronan Ranch and the last time I saw him was on the same trails, only fitting. I will hold onto that pen until I see you again.
Elizabeth, William, Katie & Morgan you will always have a place in our hearts, right next to Mr. Pirate

Cliff was a beautiful person! I have known Cliff for over 20 years and I see him all around me as he practically built my entire home.
He was always so kind and soft spoken. When I think of Cliff I think of the "Fruitage of the Spirit". His qualities truly were, Love, Joy, Peace, Long suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Mildness and Self Control. If we could all be more like Cliff!
I'm so happy that he met Elizabeth and brought through their love, two beautiful children, making Cliff's life so complete. 
I will miss Cliff, he truly was a beautiful person, and I will always hold a special memory in my heart for Cliff.

It was with a heavy heart that I started writing this tribute to Cliff.  As I sat before the computer, trying to put my thoughts into some logical order, I found myself chuckling and smiling at the memories.  That gentle, kind soul has given so much of himself to family and friends. 

I met Cliff through Elizabeth.  It came about via a Parent Meeting; Katie was in my class at the time.  I was taking an evening Astronomy class.  There was so much physics involved,  I was getting frustrated.  I joked if any of the parents knew of anyone who could help me!  Of course, Elizabeth's hand immediately went up and she volunteered her husband.  “Don't you think you should ask him first”, I replied.  Elizabeth assured me that he would love the chance to share his love of astronomy with anyone who would listen. The very next evening, Cliff walked into my school (and my life) wearing an “aloha” shirt and what I soon would realize was his trademark baseball cap!  

That started months of biweekly meetings where he would help me with my assignments.  We began to tease each other that people where going to talk because we were spending so much time together!  We jokingly began to call each other “boyfriend” and “girlfriend”.  He was so enthusiastic.  It didn't take me long to realize that enthusiasm was an integral part of Cliff, the person, and it carried over into every aspect of his life—his love for his family, his friends, and his interests.

True monuments are not just made of brick and mortar.  Cliff's life was a monument to what man can and should be.  What a wonderful gift he gave to all of us, the gift of himself.

Bratton Family and Friends,
I've known Cliff for over twenty years.  I used to call him "Young Clifford".  We worked together for fourteen days in Carson City in June 2012. He, with me as his helper, built two rooms in a warehouse and the finished project got rave reviews from everyone!  The work was perfect and built to code.  I couldn't have asked for better!  We sang a lot of songs, worked hard and had as much fun as you could have working!  We also went on a big hike with this GPS Club---800 ft up, with all the valley below us.  I don't have to tell anyone who knew Cliff what he is!  We all know him, we love him, we'll miss him and we'll never forget him!!  Goodnight Cliff

Dearest Liz, Ramona, and Bratton Family--
I was so very shocked to hear of your beloved Cliff's sudden passing...he's always had a special place in my heart simply because of the abiding love he always showed toward Christi. Please know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers as you move through the difficult days ahead.
Joan Merriam (Christi's "Adopted Mom")

What a tender and kind soul that got to share life with my sister, a mischievous, strong and smart woman. I'll never forget the peace I had riding into Yosemite. I was on family vacation with Liz, Cliff and the family. Cliff let me sit in the front seat so that I could take in all the wonder of the mountains. It was vast, magnificent, beautiful and one of fondest memories I have of being outdoors -- it's only appropriate that Cliff, the lover of nature, would be a part of that experience. Cliff is now high above those wondrous mountains continuing to look over his precious family. I pray, Liz, William, Morgan and Katie, that you can find peace in your memories. Love you all.

Though I spent a relatively short time with Cliff compared to his other geocaching friends, he made a lasting impression.  He was kind and encouraging when I faltered, radiated contentment when he was in the out-of-doors, and so obviously loved and enjoyed his family.  He is missed.  My deepest sympathy for your unimaginable loss.

I met Pirates 2+2 on Feb 17.2008..From then on I found out he was a great friend with a kind soul, he would do anything for anyone, he was a walking history book, when we hiked with him, we listened. In one particular photo I dubbed him one of the "local boys" and the term stuck..His songs, his stories were inspiring as he was..I'm sure he is still with you and all the family watching over, to help you (Liz) Katie and Capt Morgan through the tough times.. His smile and memory will be forever in our hearts..

Dear Ramona, Mark & Jimmy
So sorry to read about your loss of Cliff.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.

We are so very sorry for your loss - your family is in our thoughts.  Michelle, Justen and Max Schultz

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost... - Abe Lincoln
My prayers are with your family.

Remembering Cliff and expressing deepest sympathy to Liz, "Capt." Morgan and "Kiss Me" Katie as well as other family and friends. Cliff will be missed for sure. I recall thinking "what a neat and knowledgeable guy" the first time we met and hiked together at Cronan. Although I've only known Cliff personally for 6 years or so, some of my most enjoyable and memorable experiences have been enjoyed with him. He always made an outing more enjoyable...both during the outing itself and again afterwards with a creative song or log. It was an honor to be coined one of the "Local Boys" with him, Cold Springer and Plazmo, but the name most aptly applied to him with his open ended knowledge of the area. Thank you, Cliff, for all of the fun times and memories you have provided. And may you forever soar Where Eagles Dare.

Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts from afar.

Dear Elizabeth and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and the kids.

Love,

George and Judy Devoid , Mark and Teresa and Amber Emerson ,Debbie and Brittany Piper, Jesse and Sandy Devoid, Tom and Alice May Thompson

May each tear bring a joyful memory.
Cliffy will be dearly missed.
Sorry for your loss.
Kim, Tom & Alan Szarmach

Cliff was a true gentleman, someone we are proud to have known and enjoyed spending time with. His spirit was as sweet and gentle as his smile, a quiet presence that graced whatever place and activity we were engaged in. He was engaging himself, full of ideas, help and support, and incredibly aware of the area's history. Any day with Cliff was a genuine reward, and we are truly better for it. We offer our sincere condolences, prayers and heartfelt thoughts for Cliff's family and friends. We miss him and will continue to carry his spirit with us on every trail.

We wish to express our sincere condolences to all of Cliff's family and close friends. We weren't fortunate enough to spend as much time with Cliff as other cachers, however, we really enjoyed the few encounters we did have. Cliff had an extremely positive attitude and wrote some of the BEST caching logs around. The Wiisters will surely miss that Pirate!

Sincere condolences to Liz and family. Prayers and thoughts are with you through this troubling time. He was a wonderful man. I hope the memories you have of him will bring some comfort to you. Love, Arlene

Our sincere Condolences to Liz, the Kids & Cliff's family. Many prayers of comfort from the Lord to all of you. Cliff was a great friend. Always upbeat and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, in any way. Always thinking of songs to go with the experiences while geo-caching with us and others. We will miss him very much & cherish our memories with him. One of the few True Gentlemen in this world. I am honored to have been a friend.

Our most sincere condolences to Aunt Ramona,Mark,James,Elizabeth and children.Clifton will be most missed.We cherish our happy memories of Clifton.Dale and Gary Bratton.

OBITUARY

Clifton Mr. Pirate George Bratton

31 December, 1952 – 14 April, 2013

Chapel of the Pines

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