NORTH BERWICK, Maine – David A. Cluff, 61, died on a beautiful fall day, knowing he was loved and cared for by his family and close friends, on November 23, 2014.
David was born in Saco on June 16, 1953, the son of Wilbur C. Cluff, Sr. and Gwendolyn M. (Cluff) Chadbourne. As a youngster, he lived with his mother, grandparents and uncles in Cape Porpoise. He was known to wander the neighborhood and the village of Kennebunkport where he was fed, watched over and occasionally disciplined! When his mother Gwen married Floyd J. Chadbourne, they moved to No. Berwick and he attended school in town, graduating from Noble High School in Berwick, with the Class of 1971. Dave played the cymbals and was the Drum Major for the high school band. He also played football for a couple of years. David was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in No. Berwick where he sang in the choir. Following high school, David served in the United States Navy. David moved to Los Angeles, California where he had made his home for the past 25 years. He was a valued employee of the Los Angeles County Court House and the Department of Human Services. He made friends easily and was excited to explore his new home state. When his mother Gwen visited, David made sure to take her on a whirlwind adventure which included visiting Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam and the beautiful Redwood Forest. David sang in the choir at Mt. Hollywood United Church of Christ where his church family provided him with friendship and support as his health declined. When David was diagnosed with cancer, it was with the love and help of his childhood friend, Ann Hodgkins Carver that he was able to come home. With no hesitation, Ann flew to LA and together she and David came home. In no uncertain terms did David want to fly or take the train back. We thank you Ann for being with him, and we know it wasn’t always easy – for letting him see this beautiful country of ours one last time. David was our “Big Brother” and he taught us much; how to dance in the living room, take the VW out for a spin when the folks were gone, how to ride a roller coaster with our eyes open and each Christmas how to decorate the house and tree. We will cherish our memories and we are proud to call you our brother. David is survived by his siblings, John S. Chadbourne of No. Berwick; Tammy L. Chadbourne of Alfred; Sandy M. Goodale of Wells; Kelly L. McGuire of Bangor; Jonathan Welch of Kennebunk; Wilbur Cluff, Jr. of Kennebunkport; Scott Cluff of Lyman; Pauline (Cluff) Weiss of Arundel; Steven Cluff of Wells; and Irene Cluff of Kennebunk; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Wilbur C. Cluff, Sr.; his mother, Gwendolyn M. Chadbourne and by his Dad, Floyd J. Chadbourne.