Harold Clifford "Cliff" Colvin Obituary (1927 - 2015)

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Clifford "Cliff" Colvin, USMC (Ret), died on March 29, 2015 after battling a lengthy illness. He entered eternal repose at home with loving family members at his side. He was 87 years old. Cliff was born to Donald and Bessie Colvin in Farmington, Illinois on June 4, 1927, the eldest of nine children. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1945 prior to receiving a Fleet appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Class of 1950, and completed Marine Officer Basic School in Quantico, VA in 1951. After commanding a rifle platoon in the 2nd Marine Division, Cliff transferred in 1952 to pursue flight training in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas graduating in 1954. He led a distinguished career as a fighter pilot flying aircraft that included the F9F Panther, the F-4 Phantom and the A4 Skyhawk serving with the VMF-312 Checkerboard Squadron, VMF-314 Bobcats, VMA-223 Bulldogs and VMFA-122 Crusaders. In 1960 Cliff graduated from the Cranfield Institute of Technology in England with a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was subsequently assigned to the U.S. Naval Missile Center, Point Mugu, CA as director of missile research and development. He served honorably as commanding officer of VMA-223, H&MS-33 and VMFA-122, and participated in the Counterinsurgency Operation at Chu Lai and Danang during the Vietnam War. Some of his most notable accomplishments include the development of ballistic missile systems, earning the title of Top Gun at Miramar, and contributing indispensable expertise in formulating the 1967 Treaty of Outer Space with the international community. He served as an advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and submitted a proposal to Congress paving the way for women to enter U.S. military academies. Cliff retired from the Marine Corps in 1972 and settled down with his family in Baker, Oregon. He was dedicated to the community, serving the public as Chief Parole and Probation Officer for 20 years and Chairman of the 5-J School Board for two terms. Cliff generously offered his time and talents for charity as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Optimists, Boy's State and the Elks Club. Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Connie and his children, Mike, Kathy, Marni, Tim and Andy, as well as 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cole's Funeral Home. A rosary vigil will be at 7:00 p.m., also on Tuesday, April 7 at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m., St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. Please direct any donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.woundedwarrior.org) and St. Francis de Sales Food Bank, 2235 First Street, Baker City, OR 97814.