“To My Princess: by now, if you’re watching, you’re thinking, is he nuts? Well, my darling, you know I am but not dangerous. We were gonna do something for Wilmot Cancer Institute, but all this? Love you now till we meet again. ~Your Cowboy.”
These words from Dick Clifford to his wife Linda (Nasca) Clifford who lost her battle to throat cancer exactly two years ago as he prepares for her memorial jamboree.
Dick recalls his first encounter with Linda, an avid horse lover and trainer. He met her in 1968 when she came into his life like a ball of fire, saving him from nearly being trampled by a feisty horse he had just taken ownership of. She had a special touch with animals, especially horses.
Thanks to Dick’s persistence in pursuing Linda, they went on to marry and move to Clarkson, and opened Sundown Ranch. As Dick reflects on his 48-year love affair with Linda, he says, “Everyday of my life with her was exciting. We would hunt, argue and kiss every day … And I never won one fight.”
Linda and Dick were active in the community. They both drove buses for Brockport Schools, and Linda was the owner of a local pet store. They did everything together, except Jazzercise. Linda was active in the Brockport Jazzercise program and formed close bonds to the instructors as well as women in the community.
Linda first became ill in the fall of 2015 when she was diagnosed with throat cancer. She had her treatment at the Wilmot Cancer Center under the care of Dr. Matthew Miller.
The staff at Wilmot treated Linda like a queen and him like a king. “Everyone from the receptionist, coordinator, nurses and doctors, all the way up the chief of staff, were absolutely amazing. They made a horrible time much more bearable,” Dick said.
Linda and Dick were inspired to give back to the Wilmot Cancer Center for all the amazing care the center provided. The couple enjoyed going out to enjoy music and have a good time, so after Linda’s death, Dick had the idea of starting a Memorial Jamboree in Linda’s memory. The first Memorial Jamboree took place last May and was successful in raising money for local cancer research. Dick was very grateful for the community’s support and was especially appreciative for having the opportunity to celebrate Linda’s life with those from the community.
Due to the success in raising money for Wilmot Cancer Center and the opportunity to cherish Linda’s life, Dick is holding the second Memorial Jamboree. It will be on Sunday, May 6, from noon to 6 p.m. at Brockport’s Elks Lodge. “The day will be chock full of entertainment to honor Linda’s life, including one of the best Elvis tributes, Tribute to the King – Terry Buchwald, Boones Farm Band, Happy the Clown and Ruby Shooz, a renowned rock band in this area.” Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the event or in advance by calling Dick at 637-3807. The event is free to all veterans, police and firefighters. In addition to the six hours of entertainment, there will be a Chinese raffle, 50/50 tickets, food and drinks.
Dick pays all expenses for this event out of his pocket. He donates 100 percent of all of the ticket sales to Wilmot Cancer Center to help aide the research money to obtain grants locally.
The couple had spent their life being active in their community and had always found pleasure in giving to others. “I do this for my wife. It helps keep me going,” Dick said.
For more information see the detailed ad for this event on page five in this week’s edition of Suburban News/Hamlin Clarkson Herald or on Facebook under events.
