CAMBRIDGE: Clifford L. Walrath, 63, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006. He was surrounded by family and friends during his courageous battle with cancer.

A native of Cambridge, Cliff was born on Sept. 6, 1943, at Mary McClelland Hospital, the second son of Florence Qua Walrath of Cambridge and the late Harold Walrath. 

A graduate of Cambridge Central School, Class of 1962, he served in the United States Army and the U.S. Army Reserve.  He received the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

In his early years, he raised, trained, and showed Tennessee Walking horses. Among his other diverse interests was the study of genealogy. His appreciation of the Arts was instrumental in the creation of the Georgi Museum. He was a volunteer firefighter and a Little League coach. Cliff enjoyed hunting and was infamous for his Fourth of July Battenkill River raft trips. Cliff was a founding member and present Commander of Captain Maxson American Legion Post No. 634.

Cliff was a self-employed carpenter and master woodworker who leaves behind a legacy of many beautiful pieces that are truly works of art. His talent for restoring historical buildings put him in demand across the country. 

He was a humorist of sorts in the retelling of his many experiences in life.  He was a humble man who loved his family and friends. He was a generous, caring soul who will be sorely missed.

Along with his mother, Cliff is survived by three sons, Stephen Walrath and his wife Danielle, of Syracuse, Nathan Walrath of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Tyson Walrath, serving in the U.S. Navy stationed in California; and his fianceé, Deborah Hill-Mau; a stepson, Eric Jansson, serving in the U.S. Marines, stationed in Iraq, and his wife, Gina; a brother, Arthur Walrath and his wife, Louise, of Cambridge; Kathleen McLoud (Walrath) of Shaftsbury, Vt, loving friend and mother of Nathan, Tyson, and Eric,

stepmother of Stephen; four grandchildren, Ivy and Colin Walrath and Abby and Gus Jansson; a niece, Lori McLenithan; and a nephew, Victor Walrath.

At Cliff's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

Captain Maxson Post No. 634 will honor their commander with a 21-gun salute and military honors at a graveside service to be held at Woodlands Cemetery on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m.  A gathering will follow at the American Legion on state Route 22. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Cliff's memory be made to either Capt. Maxson Post No. 634, Cambridge, NY 12816 or Washington County Hospice, 415 Lower Main St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

As expressed in a poem written for Cliff by C.J. Stevens, "You've been a friend to everyone anywhere you go. You're truly a reminder that there are still good people left in this world."