Good story Wesley....I can exactly see Cliff in your description.
I was in his San Diego garage one time. His beloved "Rover" was completely disassembled and being rebuilt piece by piece. Wonder if he ever finished the restoration?
This brought back memories from the way back machine! COSP Treasure Island (67/68): LT Clifton tossing me the command's .45 to take on the burn run; "requesting" a pot of coffee on a Saturday morning, then telling me to bring 2 cups with coffee and adding "Irish Whiskey" from a bottle in his desk to both cups and saying "enjoy". Ford Island (69): Babysitting for Clif and his first wife. Good memories.