This memorial website as created in the memory of our loved one, Clifton Wattigny who was born in  New Orleans, Louisiana on October 11, 1941 and passed away on April 17, 2000 at the age of 58. We will remember him forever.

   
    

       Only The Best

A heart of Gold stopped beating
two shining eyes at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove,
He only takes the best.

God knows you had to leave us,
But you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day he took you home.

To some you are forgotton,
to others just a part of the past,
but to us who loved and lost you,
Your memory will always last. 

          
                                                              
The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we can not see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
--Author Unknown-- 




                                 
                           

Cliff was raised on the banks of the Mississippi River, on the levee in Algiers.  Growing up on the levee was quite an adventure.  He could skip rocks across the river, shoot rats with BB guns or fish right from his front porch. 

In Kindergarten, he ran away from school back home to be with his Mom.  "What a mama's boy!"  Well he made it through school and graduated from Berhman High School in Algiers.

On December 15, 1967 he married Toni Sawyer after a six week courtship.  They celebrated their 1st anniversary at the hospital, because 2 days before Peri was born.

In 1970 Cliff joined the New Orleans Fire Department, a job he loved dearly.  This job was the perfect match for him.  To be firefighter you must be brave, have a huge heart and be unselfish.  He had everyone of these qualities.  To put your life in danger to save the life of another was natural for a man who was always thinking of others.  Not only when saving people from fires did Cliff put others before him, but he did it in everyday life.

In 1972, Cliff and Toni welcomed in their 2nd child Holli into the world and a few years later in 1977 Clifton Jr. was born.

Cliff was a talanted wood crafter and painter.  Someone could show him just about anything and he could do it.  I think everyone who knew him has something in their house he made for them.  He loved to give.

In 1992, Cliff's 1st grandchild was born, Wayne Jr.  Cliff was now a "Paw Paw", and I think this was the greatest title he was given.  In 1995 his first granddaughter Maci was born.  In 1996 Allie was born and named after his late mother who he loved dearly.  In 1998  Brandon Thomas was born.  His middle name was in honor of Cliff.

In 1998 the loving husband, father of  3 and grandfather of 4 retired form the New Orleans Fire Department.  He now able to spend all of his time with his family.  He was able to start camping again, something he truly loved.  And now he was always around for who ever needed help. 

On April 17, 2000 after complications from surgery Clifton was taken away from us.  But the joy and love he brought to all of our lives will live on forever.  We all have a very special angel looking over us.