ForeverMissed
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Born
December 1954

Passed
February 2021

Home
Chino Valley, Arizona

Clifford Paul (‘Kip’) Stone Jr., 66, passed away in a powered paramotor accident on 12 February 2021.

A fun-loving and beloved individual, Kip was born in Presque Isle, Maine in December 1954 to Clifford Paul and Sadie Marie (Morrow) Stone.  His unexpected passing is mourned by son Steven, siblings Ralph (Dean), June, Pamela, and Timothy, as well as his large extended family.

Kip’s earliest years were lived in Maine and at age six, his family moved to Succasunna, New Jersey.  At Roxbury High School, Kip starred in cross-country and excelled as a pole-vaulter.  He was very competitive, in spite of a broken nose suffered during a tournament, he distinguished himself by continuing to vault to support his team. Beside his nose, he also broke older brother Ralph’s pole-vault record with a vault of 13+ feet, a fete unbroken for ten years.  Kip graduated high school in 1974.

After high school, Kip attended Passaic School of Drafting.  His dad, after recovering from a stroke, decided also to pursue work as a drafter and the two of them completed drafting trade school together.

In 1978, Kip moved from New Jersey to California and resided with sister Pam until he was on his feet.  Establishing himself in San Diego, Cliff started using his given name.  As a draftsman, he worked for numerous San Diego companies and became a drafting supervisor.  He later transitioned to quality control, earning trust and position as a Quality Manager before retiring in 2020.

Cliff met Kathleen (Kathy) West in 1983 during a coed softball game.  He and Kathy married in April of 1986.  In 1990, their first child, Steven, was born and daughter Christina followed in 1993.  In 1999, Cliff married Deborah (Debbie) Fisher, at which point, the family expanded by welcoming Jeremy and his future wife, Melanie.  As Steven and Christina grew, family traditions quickly followed suit.  The most memorable times were of desert trips to Glamis, summer vacations in Mexico, local car shows, Thanksgiving feasts, and more recently, camping trips to Bass Lake.  Cliff's spirit of adventure lives-on through Steven and his four grandchildren: Jordan, Jaydon, Briana, and Emily.

Throughout his life, Cliff enjoyed many pastimes.  Notable among them were his passion project car (1970 Dodge Charger), camping, travel/road trips, ATV’ing, and in more recent years paramotoring.  Powered paragliding held a special place in Cliff's heart.  He could talk for hours about the surreal feeling of soaring through the sky like a bird and of the stunning vistas he witnessed in Peru, France, and Mexico.  Privately, it was his sanctuary; the place where he could separate himself from all that was below and listen to and speak with God.  With each adventure, Cliff established friendships, many of which extended into the family.  If there is anything underscoring Cliff’s life, it is that he loved the sense of adventure.

In the last few years of his life, Cliff was setting goals.  Recently retired, he was adapting to his slower paced life and spent his free time strengthening friendships with family.  He was in the process of moving to Arizona, accompanied by best friends Reginald and Sarah, building a house, and setting the stage to ride out the last of his days.  It is with a reluctant and heavy heart we must say goodbye.  While gone in the flesh, Cliff’s spirit lives on in his family and friends.

Cliff was predeceased by his father Clifford Paul Stone, Sr., mother Sadie Marie (Morrow) Stone, and daughter Christina Marie Stone.
March 22, 2021
March 22, 2021
I met Ciff while he was on his cross country flight, Oceanside to Soboba a few years ago, as he was flying by my my area in Winchester I spotted Cliff and 2 others flying threw the sky . In wonder I followed for quite a while in my truck till they finally landed in Soboba , In amazement I had to ask who are you guys and where do you come from. I had recently taught my self how to fly a PPG quad and didn't know any flying buddies in my area that I was flying with at the time. Wow I had met Reginal and Cliff and in my mind found new role models that had entered my neighborhood. I was amazed when the video came out and saw the groups whole flight.
 As God directs my paths later I would by providence I would meet Cliff and many new friends at the Salton Sea and Glamis.
As time went on I found my self camping in the same group that Cliff was with one fall before Thanks Giving , there were so many great people there that I met that I would come to know as a few short years rolled by, Cliff said to me after I was tagging along for a short flight , that I was welcome to fly with him anytime. Cliff had a way of making me feel like family and always had a smile and time for a compliment in his conversation.
 2020 was first year at the circus in Arizona, a friend had talked me into giving up on the A assist to launch and after 2 failed launch and a prop going into my cage I decided there was too much to see and too much drama for me trying to get off the ground, again I found myself camped about 30 feet from Cliffs truck and as we talked a little that week end He advised me to stick with what works for me and shortly after I returned I went back to my old style of launching.
  2021 I was so happy to get to the circus 2 days before it opened and got to help out a little .
 It was great to see old friends and faces pull in to the camp site thurs and friday, again Cliffs truck was parked not to faraway from me and I always enjoyed his conversation . friday was windy and I took a nap like the old guy I turned into , I was standing by the the hanger and saw a glider go down and hit hard as the crowd gathered they asked people to back away and i asked who the pilot was and nobody around me knew I was praying for the pilot and his family and turned in early that night , the next morning i learned my friend didn't make it .
  the night before I heard Cliff's name but I didn't give it a thought that one of my mentors ,heros had fallen. I just went to bed after a bad day.
  Thank you for the invitation to the memorial my name is on a propeller, and at the service I learned to know Cliff was a even grater man than I realized and for sure I know we are brothers in the air and in Christ and we will meet again soon.
I hope this brings to you who read this a little peace ,Cliff"s picture is on my wall with others I am looking forward to seeing again and Cliff will never be forgotten.  Peace and Grace to you all in Christ.   
March 8, 2021
March 8, 2021
Cliffy is flying high and keeping watch from a distance he loved...my quote of respect for him from my favorite flyer in history;

"Everyone has oceans to fly, as long as you have the heart to do it..." Amelia

If he had one thing, he had heart along with many other attributes to love!

Prior to learning of cliff's demise, I was working on a photo book for him of our ride to Big Bear Mountain. I have posted some of the book for my friend.
March 4, 2021
March 4, 2021
This is one guy I'll really miss. We went to drafting school together, lived together for 3 yrs in lake Hopatcong. We worked on cars (especially that 69 charger) all time and even raced them. Driving on his harley was always fun. Always an adventure. In 78 he said im moving to ca. I had a good job so I stayed in nj. 
Been out to see him many times and wish it was more. Loved his sense of humor and his big smile. One quote of his ill never forget "Who's a fool , fools a fool, fool" Rest in peace my friend. Love ya
March 1, 2021
March 1, 2021
Being roughly the same age, Kip was one of my closest and favorite cousins growing up. He certainly was a good soul. Always the adventurer, he could show off like a tough kid when needed, but always had a big heart.

When we were around twelve, I remember a very high branch between trees that Kip gracefully walked across, then said "now your turn" with a big smile, but I didn't dare.

In our younger years, our families enjoyed many good times together: holidays, camping, swimming, drive-in movies, etc. I especially enjoyed hiking and biking around with Kip, and sleeping by the backyard campfire.

We were little when all us kids took up pole vaulting, after being inspired by our big Cousin Dean, but I hadn't realized that Kip went on to break his big brother's record many years later.

During high school and later years our paths sparingly crossed, but it was always special when they did. I remember Uncle Cliff (Kip's dad), visiting one night with me (while staying at Aunt Celia's), and expressing how very proud he was of Kip. How creative and mechanically skilled Kip was! (Which of course he was.)

I am glad to see the many ways Kip went on to have a full adventurous life with a great loving family and many friends. Kip will always be inspirational and dear to me. We will all miss him - Cousin Hugh

PS: My condolences to the whole Stone family. You are an amazing family, with much to be proud of.
February 24, 2021
February 24, 2021
I imagine Kip, would share this with us all if he was able

“Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave bereft

written by Mary Elizabeth Frye
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021
Although I didn’t know Cliff, I did know Kip. My memories I’ve held close to my heart for decades. He was very special to me. I remember him and Tony Franchi in the back yard practicing pole volt (I lived next door), him laying in his driveway fixing or puttering on vehicles and always ending up with a tin can of “extra” parts, riding through the woods on his motorcycle, watching UFO from his roof (the whole neighborhood watched) and SO many more. The whole neighborhood hung out together. Played football, swam, snowball fights, skating on the frozen pond in our back yards... I am so grateful and blessed to have known him and have him in my life. He helped shape me and I will forever hold him in my heart. Fly high Kip and Rest In Peace
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021
Deep condolences for Clifford Stone and his family, I pray that Cliff be at the God's side now and flying high forever. I hope Cliff's family be given patient and can continue life in God's hand.
(Sorry if the pray mean different, but it's usually like that in my country)
Sincerely from ishady (Indonesia)
Member of Paramotor Facebook Group

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March 22, 2021
March 22, 2021
I met Ciff while he was on his cross country flight, Oceanside to Soboba a few years ago, as he was flying by my my area in Winchester I spotted Cliff and 2 others flying threw the sky . In wonder I followed for quite a while in my truck till they finally landed in Soboba , In amazement I had to ask who are you guys and where do you come from. I had recently taught my self how to fly a PPG quad and didn't know any flying buddies in my area that I was flying with at the time. Wow I had met Reginal and Cliff and in my mind found new role models that had entered my neighborhood. I was amazed when the video came out and saw the groups whole flight.
 As God directs my paths later I would by providence I would meet Cliff and many new friends at the Salton Sea and Glamis.
As time went on I found my self camping in the same group that Cliff was with one fall before Thanks Giving , there were so many great people there that I met that I would come to know as a few short years rolled by, Cliff said to me after I was tagging along for a short flight , that I was welcome to fly with him anytime. Cliff had a way of making me feel like family and always had a smile and time for a compliment in his conversation.
 2020 was first year at the circus in Arizona, a friend had talked me into giving up on the A assist to launch and after 2 failed launch and a prop going into my cage I decided there was too much to see and too much drama for me trying to get off the ground, again I found myself camped about 30 feet from Cliffs truck and as we talked a little that week end He advised me to stick with what works for me and shortly after I returned I went back to my old style of launching.
  2021 I was so happy to get to the circus 2 days before it opened and got to help out a little .
 It was great to see old friends and faces pull in to the camp site thurs and friday, again Cliffs truck was parked not to faraway from me and I always enjoyed his conversation . friday was windy and I took a nap like the old guy I turned into , I was standing by the the hanger and saw a glider go down and hit hard as the crowd gathered they asked people to back away and i asked who the pilot was and nobody around me knew I was praying for the pilot and his family and turned in early that night , the next morning i learned my friend didn't make it .
  the night before I heard Cliff's name but I didn't give it a thought that one of my mentors ,heros had fallen. I just went to bed after a bad day.
  Thank you for the invitation to the memorial my name is on a propeller, and at the service I learned to know Cliff was a even grater man than I realized and for sure I know we are brothers in the air and in Christ and we will meet again soon.
I hope this brings to you who read this a little peace ,Cliff"s picture is on my wall with others I am looking forward to seeing again and Cliff will never be forgotten.  Peace and Grace to you all in Christ.   
March 8, 2021
March 8, 2021
Cliffy is flying high and keeping watch from a distance he loved...my quote of respect for him from my favorite flyer in history;

"Everyone has oceans to fly, as long as you have the heart to do it..." Amelia

If he had one thing, he had heart along with many other attributes to love!

Prior to learning of cliff's demise, I was working on a photo book for him of our ride to Big Bear Mountain. I have posted some of the book for my friend.
March 4, 2021
March 4, 2021
This is one guy I'll really miss. We went to drafting school together, lived together for 3 yrs in lake Hopatcong. We worked on cars (especially that 69 charger) all time and even raced them. Driving on his harley was always fun. Always an adventure. In 78 he said im moving to ca. I had a good job so I stayed in nj. 
Been out to see him many times and wish it was more. Loved his sense of humor and his big smile. One quote of his ill never forget "Who's a fool , fools a fool, fool" Rest in peace my friend. Love ya
Recent stories

Big Bear Mountain Ride

March 7, 2021
Dear Cliffy and I have been friends for over 30 years. So many memories...We, and a really great group of folks, worked and played together. With our families ready for adventure, we went camping with homemade game creations by the Cliff master. He and I would prank each other on birthdays, holidays, you name it.  His best prank? Dipping my favorite pencil (eraser) head into a red inkpad and placing it back into my pencup holder. I came in to work and of course as was my habit, while using the pencil touched the eraser to my face all morning...I was later asked if I felt okay and someone gave me a mirror. Yep bright red semi-permanent spots!  I got him back with a confetti shower hooked to his keyboard. He was still finding that stuff a year later:-) Fun times!! One of the most memorable times was one year when he called and invited me to go on a motorcycle ride with him. I had sold my Honda Hawk earlier in the year so this was a real treat. I said yes, and with Debbie's blessing, we headed off to Big Bear Mountain. The ride had breathtaking views, beautiful weather, great munchie stops and Cliffy's friends were super nice! This day is one of the many special ones that I think back on with a smile and a grateful heart to have known such a great guy and to experience one of those "best day ever" times with him! Like I said so many memories...hanging out with him, Debbie, Steven and Christina, driving Comander Cody, playing volleyball and bowling, I could go on forever! Cliffy, I think of you often and fondly of such great times and fun we had.  I look forward to seeing you again one day.  Your bff always, M

youth

February 24, 2021
I guess you would say I was an old friend and any stories I have were of Kip in his youth.  I am gonna to share tidbits of a few.   There were many trips to local auto junk yards, day and night (we were kids and yes mistakes were made) Jumping off the rocks/cliffs  plunging into the water below.  I remember him laughing at me one night, I was driving the Chevy SS Chevelle  and the exhaust came loose.  No way was I gonna show up with it like that so I went and got some brackets to fix it, and I did pretty well with the exception being I only had a short time to put it back together so I jumped right on it never thinking about it being hot, anyway a few burns later I was on my way, and when I told him how I burned my hands he laughed so hard, it was a good laugh, from the bottom of his belly.  Motorcycling to a picnic, me holding a watermelon while sitting on the back of the bike.  I remember Malcom, and how much he loved that dog.  The look on Kips face when Tim was having his hair permed, Island Dragway, the police car lights in his room, when the Daytona was stolen from the Willowbrook mall  and when he got what was left of it back and bringing it home, up rte 80 when all of a sudden the engine hood blew off soaring into the air and crashing down, that was a lucky day as it missed all the other cars.  Him driving the Daytona around the track in Ann Arbour Mich.  Seat belting Tina into the back seat of what ever car we drove because her safety was number one (mind you seat belts were not required by law yet)  I wanted to learn how to peel out  and he did not want to teach me, until Dom said "put it in neutral, rev it, up and drop it into gear"  His eyes getting wide and telling me to NEVER do that, and then his teaching me.  
February 22, 2021
I remember probably back in the70s I was working at a tire store that one day I road my motorcycle into work.  On my way into work my bike was giving me trouble I was able to make it in. I was planning to try to fix it after work.  To my surprise Cliff and Tim both came in which was the very first time they ever did.  I told them about the problem with my bike they looked at it and told me my throttle cable was getting stuck.  They offered to pick up a new cable and even installed it for me.  Wasn't that crazy Cliff you will always be remembered Tim you are the greatest. 

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