Clifton Ronald McKinley

Clifton “Clif” Ronald McKinley (78) passed away July 4th, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones. Clif was Born February 10th, 1948, in Warsaw Township Minnesota; to Ronald and Amy McKinley. He was the 7th child of 14 in total. The McKinley family remained in Minnesota until 1959. When Ronald moved the family to Oregon where they would eventually settle in Scotts mills.

In the summer of 1962 Clif met Rosemary Barber who would become his high school sweetheart and eventually his lifelong partner. Clif and Rosie were married June 17th, 1966. Clif also enlisted in the US Navy in the summer of ’66 and was stationed in California. Their first child Jeff was born in 1967. Rosie and Jeff Resided with Clif in California for a short time before returning to Whiteson. Once discharged Clif returned to Oregon and moved his Family to Silverton. Where they would have 3 more children, twin daughters Candy and Sandy born in 1969 and another son Randy born in 1973.

Clif spent the majority of his adult life working in several labor industries primarily the Lumber industry. Clif and Rosie were fond of good Sunday drives. They spent much of their free time Square Dancing with the Capitol 8s and then the Willamette Squares. They eventually transitioned to managing hotels on the Oregon Coast, before returning to the Valley to manage Apartments and Storage Complexes.

Clif and Rosie’s children would go on to bless them with 13 grandchildren; who would grow the family by an additional 20 Great Grandchildren. Although many people grew to know and love them as Grandpa and Grandma.

In their retirement Clif and Rosie spent much of their time attending the events of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They often took cross country trips to see their siblings. In 2009 Clif was Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer which he beat and was in remission for the last 17 years. Clif genuinely enjoyed just being with his family whether it was a picnic in the summer or hanging out at home and taking long walks with the dog.

Clif McKinley was the kindest and most reliable man the world has ever known and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was proceeded in death by his parents 4 brothers and 1 sister.

Clif spent the better part of 64 years loving Rosie and setting a fine example for his family that the world’s wealth is in love.