A semi-distant relative, my grandma’s cousin’s daughter is Judy who married Cliff. Anywho, I remember going to the lake house in New Hampshire and to their beautiful home in Virginia. We always had fun - Cliff taking us around the lake.

Hugs and prayers to your family.

Dave Bullard

I have known Cliff McLain for nearly 30 years, have worked with him for the last 15.  In my life I have been fortunate to know some very talented individuals, people who were among the best in doing what they did, but Cliff was in a class by himself.  His towering intellect combined with the most inquisitive mind I ever knew made him excel in more areas than most people could even consider attempting.  He helped develop America’s rocket program, then worked at the highest levels of government in the totally unrelated area of developing America’s disaster relief program, helped start a small company that grew into a behemoth, invented a long list of needed items and, in his spare time, played piano at a concert level, climbed mountains, and actually caught fish using a dry fly.  And in the 30 years I have known him I never once heard him brag on himself. He was always willing to help, to share his knowledge, but never boast about how well he could do something.  When I decided to start a company, I asked Cliff for advice.  He did much more than advise, he pitched in and helped me organize and get the company started, then stayed on as a member of the board of directors.  He attended his last board meeting on Friday, December 4, 2020.  This quiet, unassuming man was a force of nature.  He was like no one else I have ever known.  I know that Judy and his family will miss him greatly, I just wanted to say that I will miss him too.

It was an honor to know you and will miss our pho lunches and deep conversations about science, engineering, and religion.  

As Cliff’s six-years-younger “little brother,” I must have had at least a few childhood squabbles with him but I remember none.  I do remember his kindness in allowing me to participate in some activities with him and his friends. As adults, he became my “go to guy” when I sought answers to questions about various areas of science.  We shared ideas about how to apply our shared Christian faith to our lives.  We agreed that the best is yet to come as the reality of God’s promises is revealed. I look forward to seeing him again.

Judy, I have just been looking at some of the wonderful photos that Cliff took when you and he visited my Mom and Dad in Westport, CT on your numerous trips to and from New Hampshire over the years.  They bring such a smile to my face as I remember how much my parents enjoyed your visits.  Dad was  amazed by and so enjoyed the numerous eclectic conversations he and Cliff would have about a plethora  of  subjects.  I will always remember Cliff for that wonderful smile and his kind and patient way.  I am so sorry for your loss.  We shall all miss him.  God bless.  With love and sympathy, Maggie

Cliff McLain was an Icon of science marked by a strong inquisitive rational mind. He is truly a loss to his associates, his family and this Nation
      Tom Rabaut

I will miss my dad.  He had a very powerful influence on me as I grew up ... all my core values come from him.  When I was young, I would sneak down the stairs after my parents put me to bed to listen to him play the piano.  He always played magnificently and through him I learned to love playing piano myself.  Dad also introduced us kids to hikes and camping up in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and later after I graduated from college we would have our annual mountaineering trips to the Northern Cascades of Oregon and Washington.  We've had so many extraordinary experiences together during those years that I will always treasure for life.  I was also amazed at how well he gets along with everyone, peoples from all cultures and faiths, and his interests knew no bounds.  In many ways, Dad reminded me of Leonardo da Vinci ... he was accomplished in anything he tried.  He composed his own piano music, he was an inventor, he made his own jewelry and did leatherwork.  He was superb at wood carvings. He did so many things that I hesitate to mention them all.  He was also my Sunday School teacher and read to us kids from the Story Book Bible every night.  He was also our Cub Scout Pack Leader.  Dad was always very loving and rarely would I ever see him get angry.  Dad was a bridge builder, a collaborator, always thinking of new ways to do things better.  He was gregarious and always enjoyed talking and having long conversations.  I enjoyed his stories he would share of his adventures, both in the wilds of Oregon during his youth, and in his travels around the world through his work.  I suggested he take the time to write a book of his experiences since so many of them were so profound, but he was always so busy pursuing new ideas on several fronts.  I'm thankful that he and our mother lived close to us that we could visit them and have them to come our home.  Thank you, Dad, for being so special to us.  Love, Ken

We knew Cliff and Judy from round dancing and square dancing many years ago.  We were members of WASCA (Washington Area Square Dancers Cooperative Association) and served on the  Board with Cliff.  He was President of the organization in 1971.   We considered them  great friends during the times we  worked and danced with them.  Unfortunately  over the years we lost touch when they stopped dancing, and given that we live in Maryland and they were in Virginia.    So sorry for your loss, but I'm sure you have many happy memories.   Prayers  for all of you.  Peg & John Kincaid

Although I have only had the pleasure of knowing Cliff for the past 12 years, I remember him as someone who in numerous business discussions always showed the utmost respect for all participants and their opinions, willingly shared the wisdom of his years of experience, and was apt at guiding even contentious discussions to closure, without ever raising his voice in anger.  We will miss him.

Mr. McClain was one of the sunniest people I ever met.  He always had a sparkle in his eye and  a good story ready to tell.  He was a colleague and friend of my father and then my mother too, both of whom admired his incredible mind and enjoyed him thoroughly as a person.  We went camping out in Oregon years ago with Cliff and the Gang—Skip, Elaine, Jan, and Chip, and they introduced us to that marvelous state.  I will never forget glissading on our backsides down the side of Eagles Cap Mountain in the Wallowa Valley.  My sister and I were only 14 and 12, but I think Cliff (and my mother) had the most fun of anybody careening down that slope.  He was a fine, fine person, and I will treasure his memory.  I will never forget his big, bright, joyful smile.

It was a privilege to know the other McLain 



﻿I will miss my dad tremendously.
I like to think that he is now with old friends and family .  

I am so grateful for all things he has shown and shared with me over the years.  This ranged from music, dancing, storytelling to relating to other people.  My dad created and  manufactured all kinds of interesting things in his workshop.  He had an amazing life. 

I loved going on all the  camping and hiking trips that began when I was young.  I especially loved doing the annual Oregon trips. It allowed me to get to know my cousins, uncle, aunt and grandmother. I loved meeting all of dad’s friends from high school to hiking and camping friends. 

These are memories I will always  have with me. 

Love,  your daughter, Janice



Thank you, Cliff, for sharing your wisdom and your kindness. It was a pleasure to know you and learn from you. 

So much love with you around. We love your stories, your piano playing and your love for life. Thank you to you and Judy for treating me like your own.  We will miss you here on earth. - Love Lora, Chip, Cindy, Erica, Cliff and Cheryl McLain.

OBITUARY

Clifford E. McLain

April 11, 1931 – December 6, 2020

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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