Cliff was born in Seattle, WA as one of two children in the Carlson Family. His parents, George and Olfa Carlson, both immigrated to the US from Sweden. He grew up on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, WA and graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1941.
Cliff played hockey for the Seattle Spaulding’s before joining the US Marines during WWII in 1943. In June of 1944 he was wounded on Saipan Island, Northern Marianas Islands. He was left on a beach in a field hospital (6-24-1944 > 6-28-1944) until a transport ship arrived for the wounded. USN transport ship “J. Franklin Ball” operated on his leg wound and he would spend days on that ship until he was transferred to the aircraft carrier “Intrepid” on 7-4-1944. He was taken to Aiea Heights Hospital, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After spending 3 months in the hospital there he was transported on the “Sea Star” to Oak Knoll Hospital, Oakland, CA until he was transferred to Seattle Naval Hospital, Seattle, WA 11-27-1944. He was finally released 1-10-1945. Cliff received a Purple Heart and was Honorably Discharged 2-23-1945. As most know, the servicemen did not talk much of what happened while they were at war. Those experiences were kept very guarded and not shared. He was very proud to be a Marine and said he would do it all over again if given the chance.
Upon returning to Seattle, he met and married Joan in 1946 and had two children together.
After the war, Cliff was a delivery driver for Dan’s Meats at Pike Place Market then drove for King Command Meats in Seattle before joining Vitarich Ice cream at Green Lake in Seattle, WA. He worked there until his retirement in 1979. He was a member of Teamsters Local 174.
Cliff and Joan enjoyed many activities together. Both were sports enthusiasts and were inaugural season ticket holders for the Seattle Seahawks. They were also fans of the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Huskies. They cruised over 100,000 miles on mostly Holland American Lines which included: Alaska, Western Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal/Amazon River, Greece/Turkey, Canada/New England, New Zealand, Fiji and London to name a few.
Dad golfed every Sunday with his buddies and bowled in an Elk’s league every Tuesday at Sunset Bowl in Ballard, WA. Even though he didn’t have any boys he was an assistant coach for Babe Ruth baseball for many years. As a family we enjoyed many camping trips and adventures.
After moving to the family farm in Marysville, he enjoyed going to Lakewood High School for football, basketball, baseball and softball games. He had a special friend Mr. Barker who would join him at the games, and they would talk about sports and world events which would always include their war experiences. Both were very proud veterans and never missed an invite to any Veteran’s Assembly the schools and community had. The last few years Cliff attended Utsalady’s Elementary assemblies as their honorary veteran.
Cliff was a very giving person, always there for anyone that needed help. Mr. Fix-it, taking friends to appointments, visiting them in the hospital/care centers, yard work, etc.
He loved his grandchildren never missing a horse show, county fair exhibitions, soccer games, school performances or whatever they were involved in.
His great grandchildren were very lucky to grow up knowing him. They all called him G2 for Great Grandpa.
Cliff was preceded in death by his grandson Nicholas Parlin in 1985, his wife Joan Carlson of 55 years in 2002, sister Beatrice Thompson in 2014 and loving companion Phyllis Webber in 2014.
He leaves behind his daughters Cheryl (Randy) O’Bryant and Cyndi (Michael) Parlin.
Grandchildren: Mark (Sarah) Parlin, Emily (Ryan) Benoit and Andrea Parlin (Dale).
Great grandchildren: Chandler Benoit, Rowan Parlin, Tenzlee Benoit, Flynn Parlin and Stella Benoit and twins who are due June 2023.
Cherished friends: Jon & Irene Hendrickson and family, Nick and Patti Marette and the Webber Family.
Once a Marine always a Marine - SEMPER-FI
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THE MARINE'S PRAYER
Almighty Father, whose command is over
all and whose love never fails, make me
aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy
will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding
me against dishonesty in purpose and deed
and helping me to live so that I can face my
fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee
without shame or fear. Protect my family.
Give me the will to do the work of a Marine
and to accept my share of responsibilities
with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the
courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my
superiors and to the duties my country and
the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make
me considerate of those committed to my
leadership. Help me to wear my uniform
with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the
traditions which I must uphold. If I am
inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am
tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should
miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant
me wisdom by which I may understand the
answer to my prayer.
Amen
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