Clifford Lee Chaney, 55, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2021 at home holding his wife’s hand, after a short battle with a rare form of bile duct cancer.
Cliff was preceded in death by his mother Sharon Barlow, and all maternal and paternal grandparents.
Cliff is survived by his loving wife Kandi, devoted children Kenna, Jake, and Connor, and an adoring grandson Kayson, all of the home. Also survived by his lifelong best friend and sister Carmen, her wife Amy, and nephews Blake and Logan, brothers Ron (wife Holly) Barlow, Michael (wife Jennifer) Chaney and their children, Mark (wife Eunice) and their children, his father Verle (wife Muriel) Chaney, Aunt Rose and Uncle LeRoy Schultz, nephews Austin, Price, and Tyler Wilson, and In-laws that became parents, Donna and Gary Wilson, as well as many cousins, and extended family.
The list of who is survived by Cliff could go on and on and include the names of countless friends and family members because the truth is, he has gone too soon. There was so much left to do. But there is comfort in knowing that we have no regrets, we never took a day for granted, we remained thankful through our 18 years for the love we were given, and we treated it as a gift.
Cliff was a wonderful father to our children, Kenna, Jake, and Connor because he was not afraid to be a kid himself. He was goofy, and fun, and adventurous, and always willing to ride the rollercoaster, go to the zoo, or build the biggest snowman you have ever seen. He loved it all. And us, with all his heart and soul.
He was a generous man, who’s home was always open to all. We have had many guests over the years, and Cliff never cared if they stayed a week, a month, or a year, and that applied to his children as well. Our home was always full of kids, and that is the way we preferred it. We have wonderful memories of those times and were so proud to be considered second parents to many. If you were a friend of the kids, you became his kid too. Cliff loved nothing more than handing out ice cream sandwiches to all the kids in the pool, or making malts for sleepovers.
Cliff was an amazing man. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do if he could read about it or watch a video. And he was always ready to share his skills and tools with anyone who needed anything. You called, he was there with a drill, a saw, or a laptop ready to tackle any problem you had. He was a giver who never expected anything in return and never kept track of money lent because if it was given, it was a gift to help a friend, not a loan to be repaid.
He was a hard worker who always put in long hours to provide for our family. He took great pride in his work, but it was never for the raise. What mattered to Cliff was being valuable to the company and adding something that benefitted the team he was working with. He accomplished that and so much more. Cliff had many positions over the years, starting at Lincoln Benefit Life, then moving to Colorado Springs to work with Insurance Technologies. From there, he moved back to Nebraska and worked for ACORD from his home office. Many wonderful memories and friendships were made working there, and Cliff was always thankful for that experience and opportunity. But his most rewarding job was his last one with AVYST – a small start up that Cliff took a risk on. I am so thankful he did. He often said it was the best job with the best people he had ever had. It brings great comfort to know he loved what he was doing. Cliff worked from home our entire 18 years together – he in his office, me in my kitchen. We talked all day, he would even call me if he took the dog for a walk, couldn’t wait the 10 minutes to get home to tell me whatever he’d thought of. But that was us, it didn’t happen or matter until we shared it with one another. I’ll be eternally grateful for his friendship and love.
Cliff was devoted to our family, to me, and to our friends. He was one of a kind, never to be replaced, and we will spend the rest of our days honoring his memory, and keeping his spirit alive with our many stories, dumb dad jokes, and Cliffisms. When we lose someone we love, we must not learn to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.
Till we meet again…
Funeral Service: 12:00 pm Saturday (3-13-21) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3650 Hohensee Drive with Pastor Rich Carlson officiating. Face coverings are required for all in attendance.
Visitation one hour prior to service time.