Clift, Gareth H. (Jerry)

Gareth H. (Jerry) Clift, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died April 26, 2013, at Northbrook Manor Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The Rev. William B. Harnish will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2013, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment with military honors will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Surviving Jerry are his daughter, Diane Moore and husband, John, of Cedar Rapids; his son, Denny Clift of Cedar Rapids; two stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Victor (Carol) Clift of California, and Susan Clift of Marion; and his brother-in-law, Bob Beem of Tuscon, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen; his parents; and an infant daughter, Patricia.

Gareth Huff Clift was born on March 30, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Jessie Clift and Iris Huff. He was united in marriage to Helen Lucille Beem on April 5, 1942. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier on a B24. During his service, his aircraft was shot down over the Pacific and the crew was rescued by the USS Cobia submarine. He was later recalled during the Korean conflict as a captain in the Army Reserve and served in Germany.

In 1948, Jerry joined the Cedar Rapids Police Department while his father, Jesse, was the current Chief. Jerry served in many roles during his time with the department and was the police officer on the “Marshall J Show” and the “Dr. Max Show” and was Captain of the Police Pistol Team. In 1977, Jerry was honored to become Chief of Police. He retired in 1979 after 31 years of service to the city.

Jerry was involved in various community and state organizations that included Iowa Chiefs of Police Association where he was past president, Mount Hermon Masonic Lodge #263, Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite, El Kahir Shrine, Five Seasons Jim Beam Club where he was past president, and a 68-year member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of VFW Post 788. He enjoyed golfing with friends and especially his close friend, Dale Jones. Jerry golfed in the Tuesday Retired Men's League and the Friday Men's Retired League.

Jerry was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed by those whom he loved.

A memorial fund will be established in honor of Jerry.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Jerry's family on our website, under Obituaries.

Published April 28, 2013, in The Gazette