Clifford T. Waetje was born in Dennison, Iowa, on May 9, 1928, to Walter and Viola Waetje. He was welcomed to the family by his big brother Wayne, who was born in 1926. Two years later, in 1930, the Waetjes completed their family with baby sister Lois.
The family moved to Kingman, Arizona, in 1942. Cliff graduated from Kingman High School in 1946. At 6’8”, Cliff was meant for basketball. During high school he teamed with his big brother Wayne (6’9”) to lead Kingham high to the state championship in 1945. He then went to play college ball at Arizona State College in Tempe.
In 1949, Cliff married Yvonne Lawe. This union was blessed with three children; Kathy (1951), Bill (1953), and Jeff (1955.) Cliff and Yvonne divorced in 1974.
Cliff graduated from Arizona State College with a BA degree in education. His first job was teaching mathematics at the junior high in Douglas, Arizona. In 1952, he began his career as a Field Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America in the Imperial-Yuma Council.
Cliff quickly advanced in his career by becoming the Council Scout Executive for the Blue Mountain Council in Walla Walla, Washington as well as Twin Harbors Area Council in Aberdeen, Washington.
In 1975, Cliff married Margaret Whitney Baxter. Along with his three children and Margaret’s three children; Jane, Lois and Richard, this new family lovingly merged into a family of 8. Both Cliff and Margaret treated their children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren with equal amounts of love and devotion. Together, Cliff and Margie planned events that would bring us all closer together and provided us opportunities to know each other better. Cliff and Margaret were proud and loving grandparents of 15, and great-grandparents of 36 (still counting.)
Cliff ended his career at Philmont Scout Ranch. His grandchildren will always remember wonderful visits to Philmont which included riding in the ranch’s big yellow truck through herds of buffalo and fine-tuning their ice fishing skills.
Cribbage was the Waetje’s “sacred rite,” and his progeny became fierce, competitive players … and good ones at that! On January 27, 2019, Gramps finally beat the 1/215,580 odds of holding the perfect cribbage hand of “29”. He was playing with Rick at the Bay; Rick dealt him three fives and the Jack of clubs, and then the cut card was the one remaining five. Cliff was beyond proud of that hand, as well he should be. It was a memorable day. Although we’re all hoping for that distinction one day, he was the first and only one in our family to reach the “pinnacle” of the Cribbage world, proving he was “the man” to beat. Make no mistake, we’ll keep trying!
Many fishing trips influenced the joy of fishing for his family. Camping trips were something we all enjoyed because of his great love for the outdoors and nature.
No matter where Margaret and Cliff lived, they always had a new adventure and a “project” to get done when we visited. His grandkids were always eager participants and learned valuable skills and lessons that they carry to this day. He was definitely a “memory maker!”
Gramps always claimed he had the prettiest girls and the strongest boys. He made each of us feel special. Wherever we moved, Gramps and Grandma Margie would show up and celebrate our new homes. He had a way of keeping the pulse of his family by knowing where we all were and what we were up to. Not much escaped him!
Because of his strong example, commitment and love for the BSA, both of his sons and 3 of his grandsons became Eagle Scouts. Gramps was so pleased that he could foster this legacy for the his boys. Cliff retired from Philmont in 1988, and returned to Olympia to live out his golden years.
In Cliffs own words …
“I’ve watched 6 kids and a big family grow and carry out career plans, businesses, raise families and handle their own affairs. I have never felt that each and every one of them didn’t do the right thing in the right manner. I feel blessed to have a healthy, happy family with lots of love and many joyfully shared occasions.”
As Gramps was famous for saying, “Getting old ain’t for sissies!” Well, all of our family can agree and profess, “You weren’t no sissy, Gramps.” We will all hold your memory in our hearts forever. We love you deeply and look forward to the day we are re-united.
There will not be a Memorial Service but condolences can be sent to Margaret at 810 Fieldstone Dr. SW #103 Olympia WA. 98502
