Clifford Stark

Clifford Rex Stark, age 78, of Newport Beach, CA, passed away at his home on April 4, 2018. He was born May 3, 1939 in Los Angeles, CA to Rex and Caroline (Clift) Stark. Even as a child, Cliff had an aptitude for business, managing his paper routes and shoe shining concessions with aplomb, and sure enough, he grew up to shine in that arena, starting his first manufacturing company, Research Service and Engineering, in the 60s. He started his second company, RSE-Sierra, in 1981 with his partner Chris Schall and he oversaw its growth for 27 years, until selling the business and retiring in 2008. He is fondly remembered by his many friends and colleagues there.

Cliff loved sports, fishing, hunting, boating, poker, travel and gourmet dining with a gusto that was infectious and he had a smile that enveloped one with a joy that was contagious. He had a passion for history, speaking to his respect for those whose wisdom and judgment have informed our present. He loved playing with his kids and grandkids, because he was still so in touch with his inner child, and he was a great example to them. Cliff directly and indirectly improved the paths of many men and women and their families through his advice, mentoring, business opportunities and employment, and he was loved and respected for the role he played in their lives. He will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, brother, friend and colleague.

Cliff is survived by his brother Ken Stark, sister-in-law Juanita Stark, sister-in-law Carolynn Beaver; five of his children, Barbara, Mary Ann, Patricia, Michelle and Margo; his eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. Cliff is preceded in death by three of his children, Cliff Jr., James and Judi, as well as his beloved wife Gayle.

 Throughout his life, Cliff knew that every moment, every year, every turn and bend life brings us should be embraced with enthusiasm and gratitude, and he fully embraced that idea. He was an inspiration to all those who knew him, and he will continue to affect them with his loving spirit. His was a great example of a life well lived and he will be remembered with much love and admiration.

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