Clifford Westen Johnson, loving husband and father, died unexpectedly on February 8, 2018 at his new home in Endicott, Washington. He was 57. Cliff was born September 12, 1960 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Vern Jr. and Donamae Westensee Johnson. He grew up in Spokane with 5 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1979 and attended Washington State University in Pullman where he studied architecture and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He lived and worked in commercial construction in various cities across the Pacific Northwest before returning to Spokane. Clifford was hired as a Corrections Officer for the Spokane County Jail where he served for 30 years, and was a member of the hostage negotiation team before retiring last September. Cliff loved to fish, hunt for antiques, and was an avid collector of comic books, old toys and antique radios. He was a talented artist and loved to draw and do stained glass work. He married Kayla Adams in Spokane on April 20, 2002. Following his retirement the couple wanted to relax and enjoy the simple life. Cliff and Kayla moved to "their Mayberry": the town of Endicott, Washington in November 2017. Cliff loved working in and around his new home, especially the back yard, enjoyed spending time with his neighbors, and growing the mountain-man beard and long hair he had waited 30 years to unleash. He will be missed by many in the community but mostly by his wife Kayla; his daughter Sarah (Chad) Ruff of Suncrest along with his granddaughter Vivienne and step-grandson London; his step-sons, Ryan (Jewel) Shea of Sandpoint, Andy Shea, Spokane, Will Shea of Medical Lake and Sam Munro, Spokane; his parents, Vern Jr. and Donamae Johnson, Spokane; siblings, Linda (Eric) Carpenter of Colville, Russ (Mary) Johnson, Pam (Rick Suss) Johnson, and Laura (Dave) Grove all of Spokane and numerous nieces and nephews. Cliff was preceded in death by his son Westen in 2004 and by a brother, Doug. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00pm on March 3rd, 2018 at The Red Lion BBQ & Pub, 126 N. Division in Spokane, WA.
Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family and in charge of cremation arrangements.