Clifford Arthur Halstead

Clifford A. Halstead, aged 97, passed away on September 23, 2021. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, he was raised in north east Kansas where he graduated from Powhattan High School in 1943. After graduation, he signed up for the Army Air Corps but to his dismay was classified 4F, so he returned home and joined the Kansas State Guard. At the height of WWII, Cliff moved to Bremerton, Washington to work at the Naval Shipyard. There he began his career as an electrician assistant repairing many of the ships damaged during the war. He received notices of acknowledgement from several ships upon which he was known to have performed work. In 1946 following the war, he and his brother Alvin, purchased a grocery store on 2nd and Division in Spokane, Washington. There he met his wife Fern Larson who was a waitress at the Model Coffee Shop in the city and in May 1947 they were joined in marriage, making their first home at 1723 DeSmet Street where they began their family. Cliff worked hard and took his work seriously. A hard task master, he held high expectations for himself as well as others. Over his 40 years of employment with Kaiser Trentwood, he continually strived to improve his position and his knowledge. Attending the technical school and receiving a degree in electronics, as well as, his rise to Plant Maintenance Manager at the rolling mill. Cliff became a member of the employee credit union in 1948, and voluntarily served in several positions over many years with the board of directors for that embodiment now know as Horizon Credit Union. Cliff was oriented around his family and enjoyed bringing them together. He invested in several lots on Coeur d’Alene Lake where he along with his wife and kids built a cabin. This was the highlight of many summers where he taught his children and grandchildren to swim, water-ski and drive the boat. Vacations often centered on long trips to the Midwest to see aunts, uncles and his many cousins while taking in the sites along the route. Cliff enjoyed having fun with his family. He often instigated water fights in the summer, making popcorn balls, fudge and taffy for the holidays. The families’ fondest memories are of him reading to them, building a playhouse, going to Spash-Down, playing dominos, ping-pong, pool, cards and numerous outdoor games. As empty nesters, Cliff and Fern would travel to visit their children’s families in Europe, Canada and various states where they would take in the local sites, alpine skiing or golf. Cliff was a builder of character and taught the importance of; God, family, sharing 3 meals a day, faith, finance, prayer and resilience. Cliff was a builder. In his spare time, he could often be found working on a project, whether building a home for his family, carpentry tasks, repair work, or smaller projects such as the first indoor plumbed bathroom for his mother-in-law’s 65th birthday. As he taught himself, he would pass that knowledge on to those who called upon him for help. From changing an outlet, to caring for roses, Cliff shared his knowledge and experience. Cliff was baptized in the Christian Church at the age of 15. Over his lifetime he donated time and effort to many missions, and charities. In 1948 as a member of the Free Methodist Church he volunteered on the construction of their new building. As a member of Fourth Memorial Church in Spokane he built a cabin for Maranatha Ministries at Riverview Bible Camp, as well as other projects for Riverview and the loan of his boat for their campers use. For a number of years he joined a team to build an orphanage in Mexico. Cliff served as deacon at Foothills Community Church and along with other church members, aided in remodeling the Pastor’s retirement home from the studs up. All while continue to provide to numerous Christian charities until his passing. Throughout his life, Cliff was involved in many activities. He had a fabulous garden of fruits and vegetables in which he shared the bounty with friends, family, neighbors and community. His lawn and flower beds were impeccable. His yard became a haven for birds and so he joined the Audubon Society and volunteered for their annual count. He began elk hunting in his 30’s, joined the bowling league in his 40’s, began snow skiing in his 50’s, ran the Bloomsday in his 60’s, read the entire Bible every year for over 20 years, began golfing in his 70’s. He walked a mile plus everyday with his wife except Wednesday when he was on the golf course, remaining active until aged 95, while sporting a full head of throughout his life Preceded in death by his parents Milt and Pearl (Young) Halstead, two sisters; Glennis Halstead and Vivian Suits, two brothers; Alvin and Robert Halstead, and one granddaughter Beverly (Grytdal) Gibbons. He is survived by Fern his loving wife of 74 years; one cousin Pauline (Halstead) Allen, KS, many nieces and nephews including Judy Suits of Greenacres, his children; Barbara (Steve) Harvey of VA, Gloria (Ron) McGough of CO, Dale (Debby) Halstead of Greenacres, Elizabeth (Roland) Scott of Fruitvale, B.C., Shirley (Greg) Benton of Tacoma, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Public visitation will be Tuesday, September 28th between the hours of 3 PM and 5 PM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N DIVISION, SPOKANE. A Memorial service with Pastor Jerry Kennedy officiating will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM also at Riplinger Funeral Home. Private family interment at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery preceding. In Lieu of flowers please consider donations in Cliff’s memory to Horizon Hospice of Spokane, 608 East Holland Ave, Spokane, 99218.