Clifford Duane Quale

MISSOULA ~ Clifford Duane Quale, known to everyone simply as Cliff, passed away at his home in Missoula, MT, on December 8, 2024, at the age of 79. Following his passing, the family immediately faced an additional health crisis which delayed the publication of this obituary. As that crisis has passed, the family is now able to share this tribute in honor of Cliff’s memory.

Cliff was born in Bismarck, ND, on March 16, 1945, to Clifford W. and Dolores (Bair) Quale. Cliff spent his early years living on a farm in Carlyle, MT; and because of these years, he always referred to himself as “just an Ol Farm Kid.”

His family moved from the farm and into the town of Wibaux, MT, where Cliff attended school, graduating Wibaux High School in the class of 1963. Following high school, the “Ol Farm Kid” was not initially sure college was for him; but ultimately, he attended Dawson Community College receiving an Associate of Arts in June 1967. Cliff then continued his education at Eastern Montana College where, in June 1969, he received a Bachelor of Science in Education.

While living in Wibaux and attending college, Cliff met Suzann Quest. Cliff and some of his buddies were directing Wibaux’s extensive vehicle traffic when she quite literally rolled into his life. They were married in Hysham, MT, on June 4, 1966. A cantankerous Siamese cat joined the family a few years later.

During the early years of their marriage, Cliff and Suzann worked as teachers in Joliet, MT. However, after several years of teaching, he concluded teaching was not his ultimate calling. Seeking new opportunities, they headed west to Plains, MT, where Cliff started his lifelong career in banking.

They had two daughters: Melissa in 1979 and Tiffany in 1984. Cliff’s daughters were his absolute pride and joy and the source of most of his blonde (gray) hair. When his granddaughter Claire arrived in December 2013, she joined “his girls” as an unending source of joy.

In 2006, Cliff retired from banking after thirty-two years, having held many different positions the last of which was the Vice President of the Rocky Montana Bank.

Retirement allowed Cliff to pursue his true passions. He loved old cars, tractors, and assorted farm equipment. Cliff could fix just about anything and if he could not, he was determined to figure it out. He delighted in going to yard sales, maintaining his impeccable lawn, and making the rounds to the local grocery stores. There were few things he reveled in more than getting a good deal. Cliff once bought twelve lawnmower blades which did not fit any of his lawnmowers explaining, “they were a good deal, I could not pass it up.”

Cliff loved to “visit” with friends and strangers alike and always had a “very powerful story” on the tip of his tongue. His memory will live on forever in our hearts through his beloved stories and life lessons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Dolores; his sisters, Edna May and Lila Marie; and his brothers, Donald, Dave, Irvin, Conrad, Arnold, and Norman.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Suzann; his daughters, Melissa Quale (Ryan Ganno) and Tiffany Kuehn (Jared); his granddaughter, Claire Kuehn; his brother, Kenneth; and many other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Honoring Cliff’s wishes, the family will not be holding a public gathering. However, they would love to read any stories or condolences you share on the Sunset Memorial Funeral Home webpage.