On March 6th, 2023 Clifford Perley Knopf went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He passed at his home in Eugene, Oregon with his family present. The Lord was very gracious allowing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to visit him in the preceding weeks while he was able to share with them love, stories and laughter. His daughter Barbara provided extraordinary loving care for all of his needs over the months of struggle.

Clifford was born May 31 st, 1932 near Days Creek, Oregon. His father, Paul Burris Knopf, mother Jessie Fern Knopf (Ormiston), brothers Sidney E. Knopf and Kenneth Knopf lived in the house that Jessie’s brothers built at the end of Woods Creek Road around 1905.

Clifford graduated from Days Creek School in 1950. Days Creek School served all grades from 1st through 12th . Clifford walked three miles down Woods Creek Road to catch the bus and back every day.

After Clifford graduated from High School he worked for Mr. Babb and then joined the Navy in February of 1951. He served as an Electrician’s Mate 3 on the USS Harry E. Hubbard DD-748 Destroyer until January of 1955. Clifford attended Oregon State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Technology in Agriculture June of 1960. After a period of time as a real-estate agent Clifford became a real-estate broker, where he met Sandra Bradburn in July of 1960, they were married on December 18 th, 1960. In October of 1961, their first child, Michael was born. In September of 1963, Jeannie was born. In June of 1964, the family of four was in a horrific car accident when hit head-on by an intoxicated driver. All survived. Clifford and Sandra sustained many injuries. Clifford had broken legs and a crushed left arm. In September of 1964, Clifford took a job with Lane County as a Registered Sanitarian. Their third child Gregory was born in August of 1965 followed by their fourth child Barbara, born in June 1968. Clifford retired from Lane County after 30 years in September 1994.

The job with Lane County required a significant amount of driving as his area covered the whole of Lane County from Florence to Blue River. This driving time allowed him to listen to the radio where he found a Christian station which aired bible teachers such as J. Vernon McGee. Clifford became convinced that his family should start attending church. Soon after disclosing his desire to Sandra, a post card came in the mail inviting the recipient/s to visit Santa Clara Church of Christ (we understand that cards were only sent out once from the church). Clifford and his family took the church up on their invitation. Stan Bouchard and David Mulkey came to Clifford’s home and explained to the family about Jesus and his sacrifice. Clifford, Sandra and all four children were baptized on March 24, 1976, at Santa Clara Church of Christ, where Clifford served faithfully as a Deacon and an Elder responsible for missions.

Clifford was a very loving and involved husband and father. He took his family on many trips and outings, including boating, fishing, camping, and rockhounding. He was also a Scout Master. Clifford was always available for a conversation with an unshakable positive attitude and witty humor. His commitment to Jesus and his faith never waivered as he lived a life of exemplary love for Jesus, his family and everyone he met.

Clifford is survived by his wife Sandra, his four children Michael (Rebecca) Knopf, Jeanette (John) McKay, Gregory (Lydia) Knopf and Barbara (Oscar) Heredia, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“To Clifford” - Your willingness to hear God’s calling has changed and blessed so many lives with the knowledge of salvation. Your fervent prayers will be greatly missed. Your love was wonderful!