April 14, 1938-Nov. 10, 2023
Clifford James Wickham, 85, of Washington, Utah, returned to his Heavenly Father on Nov. 10, 2023, at home surrounded by family after a brave battle with stomach cancer. He was born in Longmont, Colorado, to Leo and Geneva (Jimmi) Wickham on April 14, 1938. He grew up in Sterling Colorado with his only sister Judy, where he spent his days playing and climbing around the buildings at the county fairgrounds. His days were spent from sun up to sun down outside, amongst friends as they played “stagecoach” atop an old rabbit hutch, catching pigeons, playing cowboys, and swimming in the South Platte River. He moved to Evanston, Wyoming, in 1951 where he continued to love the outdoors as he was free to roam, fish, and hunt. He especially loved elk hunting with his dad and would stay in the mountains each year for at least a week.
Upon turning 17, Cliff joined the United States Navy. During one of his leaves, Clifford married his sweetheart Elda Putnam on Dec. 14, 1956. While aboard the USS Weiss in 1957, Cliff received an announcement over the loudspeaker informing him of the birth of his first daughter Tamara Jean. Then in 1958, he was able to get shore duty in California where Teresa Kay joined the family. Cliff got out of the service in 1959 and was hired by AT&T as a lineman and began working throughout many of the states west of the Mississippi. During this tour in 1961, their third daughter Barabara Ann was born.
He began working for different construction companies on the interstate highway system. While working in Rock Springs, they realized their trailer was too small so they bought their first home in Green River, Wyoming. It was just shortly after their youngest daughter Donna Renee joined the family. Cliff then settled his family in Lyman Wyoming in 1969 where he worked for the city, served on the Town Council, and worked underground at Allied Chemical.
Clifford was a man of many talents. He was a very knowledgeable man full of passion and devotion to creating and working with his hands. He loved to build things and spent a lot of time building homes, windmills, cars, signs, and countless treasures that he would find in the junkyard and repurpose. He spent his life working in construction and he was proud to be able to tell people he was part of installing AT&T phone lines spanning over 28 locations. After many technological advancements and years of perfecting his trade, he was then part of traveling and installing underground fiber optics internet lines.
Later in life, he bought and developed Fort Bridger RV park where he spent countless years beautifying the grounds, making new friends, and restoring old windmills. He then spent his retirement years tinkering and building in his beloved shop. He loved to rebuild cars and participate in car shows. He loved to show off all his creations and knowledge to his family members and friends who would stop in and spend time with him, marveling at his works and talents.
Clifford joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Dec. 23, 1988. He was later sealed for time and eternity to his wife Elda on Dec. 28, 1989. At the age of 51, Cliff and Elda were called on a special mission. They both quit their jobs and joyfully served a two-year mission in Barcelona Spain, returning from their calling in October 1993. He had a deep love for his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and served many through his words, actions and examples His favorite calling was to serve as a primary teacher.
He was a devoted father and grandfather who loved his family dearly. Everyone felt the love he had for every one of them. He had a way of making you feel loved, seen, and special. His radiant smile was contagious and his laugh reverberated deep within all that he shared it with. Cliff was an amazing storyteller and loved to share his adventures with anyone who would listen. He captivated his audiences with stories of fossil digging, hunting, camping, and deep family traditions and adventures. He will be forever remembered for the precious time he spent with each of his grandchildren during their famous Grandma/Grandpa Days.
Cliff is survived by his loving wife Elda Mae Putnam; children Tami (Tom) Redmon of Lyman, Wyoming, Teresa (Gary) Hutchinson of Lyma, son-in-law Rick Carroll of Green River, Wyoming, and Donna Porras (Donald Stockon) of Snowflake, Arizona; grandchildren Travis, Tracy, Tiffany, Tina, Tim, Todd, Tony, Taylor, Cody, Spencer, Daniel, Kimberly, Haley, Amber, Alicia, Nathan, Ashlee, Jordan, Alexandria and Alyssa; 62 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; a niece Carla and nephew Paul; seven sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, as well as many beloved extended family and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Barbara Ann Carroll and son James Ray; parents Leo and Geneva Wickham and sister Judy Lawrence; in-laws: Elden and Olive Putnman; brothers-in-law DeVerl Putnam, Ralph Lee, Danny Putnam, Don Stonebreaker, Dee Thornhill, Blaine Putnam and Chip Lawrence.
A graveside service and military honor will be held at a later date. Information will be shared upon planning
Condolences may be shared on the McMillan Mortuary website.