The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Clifford N. Stephens was born June 30,1931 in Portland, OR and grew up in Scappoose where he attended school. His parents owned Stephens Raw Milk Dairy. He developed a strong work ethic milking cows every day.

Cliff was always curious and pursued knowledge his entire life. He was seldom without a book in hand. After high school he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He earned a degree from Portland State and a master's degree in history at the University of Oregon. He later completed a second master's degree in economics. Cliff taught history and economics at Portland Community College for 26 years, retiring in l991.

A life-long boater for more than 70 years he sailed the Columbia River as well as the Pacific Northwest Coast and Hawaii. He was an active member of Portland Yacht Club (PYC) and was often on the PYC float during Bald Eagle Days. He was also a member of Rose City Yacht Club.

He and his wife, Becky Belangy, purchased property on Puget Island in l992 which took Cliff on another adventure. He remodeled the original Sigurd Blix house (c. 1918) prior to moving to the island in l999.

Cliff was a man of all seasons. He loved to garden, travel, read, make firewood and enjoy a beverage with friends.

Cliff was an only child but had a big family of friends. He shared the past 50 years with the love of his life, Becky Belangy. With Becky at his side, Cliff "took flight" on February 6, 2023 at their home on Puget Island.

Cliff is survived by a nephew and neice, Kim and Kathleen Michek, as well as Becky's sisters, Carole (John) Rutledge, Bonnie (Gary) Hallett and Nancy Anshutz. He was also a favorite uncle of Becky's nieces and nephews and their families.

A Celebration of a Life Well-Lived will be held at Portland Yacht Club on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 1 - 3 p.m.

- Paid Obituary -