Obituary

Clifford Page Judy
October 22, 1936--July 6, 2023 (age 86)

Clifford Page Judy, age 86, passed away at Juniper House Memory Care Facility on July 6, 2023, in Pendleton with his family surrounding him during his final days and moments.

Cliff was born on October 22, 1936, in Clarksburg, West (By God) Virginia. He was the last surviving son of William and Maude Judy.

Cliff graduated Washington Irving High School, Clarksburg, WV in 1954 as a member of the National Honor Society. He played the sports of football and track with strong dedication.

Cliff continued his passion for both academics and sports as he attended West Virginia Wesleyan University. It was there he excelled as a standout athlete, participating in both football and track. His exceptional skills on the field and the track led to his election to the WVWU Athletic Hall of Fame, forever commemorating his achievements. He graduated WVWU in 1958. Following his undergraduate studies, Cliff pursued his love for the outdoors by earning a Master’s degree in Forestry from Duke University. It was during this time that he worked with the US Forest Service that nurtured his appreciation for the open spaces and vistas of the Western States.

In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Cliff served with honor in the US Marine Corps Reserve, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1966 with the rank of Sergeant (E-5). His dedication and commitment to his country reflected his strong sense of duty and responsibility.

A good portion of his professional career, Cliff was an integral part of the US Gypsum/Masonite board mill in Pilot Rock, OR. He started as an engineer and worked his way up to become the board mill supervisor and later the plant manager in 1992, serving that

position until his retirement in 2003.

Cliff is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Dorothy (Dotty) Judy (nee Calkins), and four children and their spouses. Melissa (Jeff) Griswold of North Bend, WA, Jessica (Mark) Gesinger of Shoreline, WA, Paul (Stephanie) Judy of Seattle, WA, and Christopher Judy of Portland, OR. Melissa, Jessica and Paul are the children of Cliff and his first wife, Rebecca Mullen (Wolfe) of Cary, NC. Cliff and Rebecca moved to Oregon and later divorced. Cliff married Dotty in 1983 in Pendleton. Cliff is also survived by his delightful five grandchildren, William Judy, Kate Judy, Ben Sutton, Lucy Gesinger and Sylvie Gesinger. Both Cliff and Dotty have been blessed with these grandchildren watching them grow from birth who are now in their early 20’s.

Cliff and Dotty shared a love for the outdoors that permeated every aspect of their lives together. They were avid runners, cyclists, with Cliff introducing Dotty to the adventures of bow hunting. Many years of backpacking, camping, and fly fishing in the Wyoming Wind River Range was always a highlight. One of the most challenging trips was to backpack 25 miles into the base of Gannett Peak in Wyoming with an attempt to reach the 13,810’ summit.

An additional adventure was to backpack to the bottom of the majestic Grand Canyon, spending two nights under the stars and backpacking back up to the rim the next day.

The two enjoyed favorite travels over the years to 7 different countries in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Frequent trips to West Virginia were also enjoyed.

Cliff’s favorite hobbies were tying flies for fishing and playing his banjo, Clawhammer style.

He attended several Folk Music Workshops in WV where he learned the skill of banjo playing.

He was active in the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer serving on the Vestry numerous times.

Further, he spent multiple times as the camp chef for the EO Diocese Cursillo at Cove.

Cliff will be remembered as a devoted family man, a skilled athlete, a skilled professional and one of the hardest working, persevering men we knew. He was loved and will be missed.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents William and Maude Judy, his brothers, Howard Judy, George Judy and Charles Judy.

A memorial service to celebrate Cliff’s life will be on August 12th at 2:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 SE 2nd . St., Pendleton, OR. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), the Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon/Washington (www.alz.org/orswwa), or to an organization of your choice.

The family would like to acknowledge those who cared for Cliff. Dr. Norman Sitz, Dr. Malcolm Townsley, Suttle Care Facility, Juniper House Memory Care Facility and Good Shepherd Hospice Program.

Pendleton Pioneer Chapel has been assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.pioneerchapel.com