Clifford Michael West

Clifford (Cliff) M. West, Jr., 64, passed away on August 11, 2026, in Puyallup, Washington. 

Born on October 21, 1961, in Northridge, California, his family moved to Washington prior to entering elementary school. Cliff built a life defined by curiosity, technical skill, and a wide range of interests that reflected both precision and enthusiasm. He graduated from Evergreen High School in White Center and went on to enroll in the engineering and technology programs at Seattle Central College, beginning a path that would shape his professional life. 

Cliff started his career as a drafter, working in the field and making revisions to plan sheets on the hood of a pickup truck. As the profession changed, he changed with it. He sought out new information through webinars, videos, and reading, always intent on understanding the next development and applying it well. Over time, he became known as the “piping genius,” the person ready with an answer about the best pipe or pipe connection for a particular application. His knowledge and persistence helped lead the wastewater group into the world of 3D modeling, and he worked to ensure that plan sets were high quality, accurate, and in keeping with company standards. He had been nominated as Employee of the Year and served as a presenter for the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association.

 His work was not simply something he did; it was something that engaged his mind wherever he went. While traveling, he would seek out wastewater treatment plants and pump stations, taking photographs to bring back to the group. A co-worker said that “he made me earn my education,” while also being willing to educate and assist. That combination of high standards and generosity captured an important part of how he approached both his field and the people around him. 

Cliff definitely had an engineer’s brain, a remarkably sharp mind and was one of those people who just seemed to know how to figure things out. Even hanging a wall print could become a math problem, complete with painter’s tape, a stud finder, and a level. If he asked for someone’s opinion about an activity, it often meant he had already done extensive research and was ready to carry it out, or had already purchased what was needed to begin. He never rented tools; he had to buy what he needed. He was always open to trying something new, and he approached each interest with the same focus, preparation, and energy that marked his work. 

That spirit carried into a long list of hobbies and pursuits. He enjoyed baseball, bowling, tennis, and later pickleball. He was involved in speedskating and also taught it. He enjoyed photography, kite flying, and fishing, especially fly fishing. He built model airplanes, collected vinyl albums, and appreciated bourbon with a good cigar. He also had a strong interest in motorcycles and vintage British sports cars. Travel was another favorite pastime, whether by air or on a road trip, and during the past decade he especially enjoyed traveling to play golf.

Alongside his intelligence and drive was a sense of humor that was distinctly his own. He had an adolescent/frat-boy sense of humor, and at times, as those around him knew, “the 5-year-old child” would make an appearance as well. It was part of the personality that made him memorable to family, friends, and co-workers alike. The KJ Masters golf tournaments were epic!!

Cliff is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Blake, and daughter-in-law, Mila; his stepdaughter, Kilani Kunofsky; and his sister, Karen Earl, along with family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Erlinda West. 

Clifford (Cliff) M. West, Jr. will be remembered for the depth of his knowledge, the seriousness with which he approached his work, the many interests he pursued, and the unmistakable way he brought his mind and humor to everyday life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 29, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Swiss Sportsmen’s Club Park 9205 198th Avenue E. Bonney Lake, WA.

This is a celebration of Cliff’s life. Please recognize Cliff’s fashion sense by wearing bright colors, golf shirts - nothing somber.

Those wishing to honor Cliff’s memory may consider making a donation to diabetes or cancer research in lieu of flowers.