From: Jim Skibbens
Cliff was a great golf partner, and more importantly ... a great friend! I truly enjoyed Cliff's company, insights, level-headed perspectives, sometimes dry sense of humor, love for coaching, passion and love of the game of golf, and his love of fellowship. I always looked forward to our 18 hole rounds together, and even more ... the beers afterward to just catch-up on the day's round, family, and anything else that was on our minds. Cliff helped me to become a better Coach and person.
I met Cliff approx. 10 years ago, when I became the First Tee Site Director at Charles T. Myers GC. Cliff soon became my Assistant Site Director, and very quickly ... we were Co-Site Directors. Working at the First Tee, we normally evaluated the kids and volunteers on their knowledge of the Core Values (e.g., integrity, honesty, sportsmanship, etc.) ... and Cliff was the consummate leader, as he lived and exhibited those values each and every day. Cliff loved leading, teaching, and supporting the kids. He always wanted the kids to be their best and successful, as both kids and adults. He truly cared for his fellow coaches, volunteers and the kids. Cliff set a high bar every day for each of us to follow and, he made me, the volunteers and the kids all better for it. When I first got to know Cliff ... and even later on in our relationship, Cliff never liked being hugged ... not by me or the other guys. I didn't care ... much to Cliff's dismay/embarrassment ... as I hugged him every time I saw him. I know he appreciated those hugs, and I am so sad to lose such a good friend, but I celebrate his life. He will be truly missed.
Cliff was also very focused on safety for everyone, but especially the kids. At our Sites, we had only ONE mishap ... Cliff told his group "all clubs down" after the game was played. Cliff went about 10 yards in front of his group to pick-up some balls, talk to the kids, and make some game adjustments. To Cliff's complete surprise, a 5 year old boy decided that he would "help" Cliff by hitting some balls towards Cliff ... and one of them hit Cliff in the shin. Cliff was fine, but that shot brought Cliff to his knees. Cliff took advantage of the opportunity to make this a "teaching moment" for his kids ... but I believe he spoke to them with clenched teeth, and maybe a few tears. Cliff and I joked quite a bit afterward about "staying far behind the kids at all times" ... as he limped around for a couple of days.
Commitment ... Cliff was "all in", regarding the First Tee and his other endeavors. I remember meeting with Cliff, Darren and Bruce on numerous occasions (e.g., lunches, rounds of golf, etc.) to discuss how we could make our First Tee Sites more supportive, productive, and FUN for the kids. Cliff always had good insights and ideas ... and he set a very high bar for us all ...
I also want to "echo" Bruce's comments about the week in Calabash, NC. It was not the best weather ... but we had a great time together! I'll always treasure that time (and many other outings) spent with Cliff. Cliff was truly a good soul with a big heart!
