RUNCORN, Clifford Gordon

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/13/2013 Clifford Gordon Runcorn, 99, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, in Eagar at the Beehive Home. He was born Aug. 27, 1914, in Hardesty, Okla., the son of Bert Runcorn and Ethel Zelda Hales Runcorn. Clifford was a rancher for 75 years. He never had hobbies, as he was always working. He was the hardest working man we ever knew. In a way, he would consider his livestock his hobby, because that’s what he loved. Clifford was a very honest and prideful man. He liked to dress up in his best western wear whenever he went to town. He was proud to be a rancher. He was very frugal with his money, but if someone came along and needed help, he would be the first to give them a hand up. He gave money to someone down on their luck, knowing he would never get paid back. When asked about it, he would say, “It’s worth it to find out what kind of man he is.” One of dad’s favorite sayings was, “If you can’t say anything good about someone, don’t say anything at all,” and that’s the way he lived his life. He raised seven kids, all of who turned out to be productive citizens. He was very proud of his family. Clifford is survived by his wife, Marie Runcorn; sons: Charles Runcorn of Ford, Wash.; Ivan Runcorn of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Tom Runcorn of Touchet, Wash.; Dennis Runcorn of Newman Lake, Wash.; daughters: Shirley Hicks of Republic, Mo.; Reba Jackson of Kent, Wash.; stepdaughter Sharon Brown of Edgefield, S.C.; 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and adopted in love granddaughter Jody Emerald. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Donald Runcorn, Edmond Runcorn, Walter Runcorn, Truman Runcorn; sisters: Claudia Runcorn, Ethel Briden; and a son, Larry Runcorn. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations may be made to the Angel Tree. Please contact Cindy Morris at (928) 245-9410. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Burnham Mortuary in Eagar, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow services at the Springerville Cemetery. Leave an online condolences at www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.