CLELAND, Carey James

Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, AZ Monday, May 3, 2004 Carey James Cleland, 18, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2004, in Graham County, Arizona. Carey was born Oct. 1, 1985, in Fort Hood, Texas, to Carey and Delane (Duff) Robinson Cle-land. He was a living testament of how "all things in Texas are big." At birth, he weighed 11 pounds and grew to be 6' 6" tall. Carey grew up living in both Thatcher and Safford and had many friends in both school districts. During his freshman year, he moved with his family, to Reno, Nev. until the middle of his senior year, when he returned to Safford. Carey lived for three basic things in life -- fishing, hunting and baseball. He had a love for baseball like no one has ever seen. He played high school baseball for North Valley High School in Reno, Nev., and for Safford High School. Numerous college and pro-baseball scouts were scouting Carey. The New York Mets and Chicago White Sox were both making him offers to play for them. Carey is survived by his father and step-mother, Carey and Melody Cleland of Reno, Nev.; his mother, Delane Robinson of Bremerton, Wash.; grandmother, Lupe Cleland of Safford; Aunt, Julie, and Uncle, Scott Cleland of Safford; three sisters, Briana, Jennifer and Rachel; step-brother, David; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, a nephew and many friends. His grandfather, Jim Cleland, preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 21, at the Safford Stake Center. Arrangements were under the direction of the Morris Safford Funeral Home. Print this story Email this story