Arthur Clifton, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 22, 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine J. Clifton; his children James “Jed” (Diane), Sarah (Robert) Duquette, and Jonathan (Stacey) Clifton; five beloved grandchildren, Eliza, Nathaniel and Abbie Duquette, and Tyler and Jenny Clifton; and by a brother, Carl Buitta.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Travis Clifton, and by three brothers and one sister.
Clifton was raised and educated in Newton, Mass. He later lived in Weston, Mass. for almost 40 years before moving to York, Maine, and Vero Beach.
He served in the Navy during World War II and spent over three years in the Pacific Theater. He was very proud of his country.
After serving in the military, Clifton earned a B.S. degree in Engineering from Boston University and later, in retirement, earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Hypnotherapy. He held professional positions at Honeywell, AVCO and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he worked on the Sea Grant Program doing marine biology research.
Clifton loved building things. He was proud of the home that he constructed in Weston as well as the two wooden boats he designed and built. He loved fishing and nature. He loved spending time with friends and family on his boat and was an avid saltwater fisherman. He had a magical green thumb. He created incredible vegetable gardens, fruit trees and nurtured a 30-year-old gardenia plant. His homes were always surrounded by beautiful flowers.
He had a special way with birds and raised a pheasant and wood ducks from abandoned eggs found on his land. In later years, he treasured the hummingbirds that were lured by his spectacular fire spike bushes outside the window by his favorite chair.
Memorial services will be held in New England and final burial will be held in July in Weston, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Clifton’s memory may contribute to Wounded Warriors Project in his name. Please send donations to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675.
Arrangements are being handled by Aycock Funeral of Fort Pierce.
