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Mark Sterling Clifton

Mark Sterling Clifton, 68, a longtime resident of Killingworth, passed away on Feb. 24 at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Mark was born in White Plains, New York, on May 11, 1954, the son of the late Norman E. Clifton and Doris (Flynn) Clifton. He was a devoted family man and a loving father.

A graduate of Edgemont High School in Scarsdale, New York, Mark earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Earth Science from Southern CT State University. Mark originally joined Boy Scout Troop 8 in Scarsdale and was proud to be the first member of Troop 490 in Madison to attain the Eagle Scout rank. After college, Mark became the Ranger and Director of Deer Lake in Killingworth. Over the following decades, he transformed the Deer Lake property into the treasured location that it is today for campers and explorers of all ages. He worked on endless projects to expand and enhance the forestry and beauty of Deer Lake, as well as the surrounding community. Even in his recent retirement, Mark never stopped working at Deer Lake, notably in helping Pathfinders, Inc. to secure the property from development.

Mark was honored in 2017, receiving the Citizen of the Year award from the Killingworth Lion’s Club. And, in 2018, he was inducted into the Haddam/Killingworth Hall of Fame. For many years he also served as a valued EMT and board member of the Killingworth Ambulance Association.

Ranger Mark was a builder, adventurer, storyteller, and mentor to many. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, in which he thrived. Mark often taught the art of canoeing, climbing, knots, and winter camping or could be found plowing snow in one of his treasured old Land Rovers, usually until the wee hours of the morning. He loved sharing his knowledge of the night sky, and his enthusiasm for the natural world was contagious.

Surviving Mark are his wife, Patty McDonnell Clifton; son, Forrest McDonnell Clifton (Katie); and daughter, Hillary McDonnell Clifton, all of Killingworth; grandchildren Anna and Emma Clifton; sisters, Sandy L. Clifton (Ben Klickovich), Nancy Clifton Morin (Thomas) and Jennifer Clifton Phillips (Mark Vaillancourt); nephews, Gregory and Perry Phillips, and nieces. Madison Shipp, Alexa Crenshaw, and Jenna Morin. Mark was predeceased by his sister Beverly R. Clifton.

Mark worked hard and loved life. He was a kind soul who was beloved by many. Mark will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

A Memorial Service celebrating Mark will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at Deer Lake, 101 Paper Mill Road, Killingworth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Save Deer Lake Camp, 101 Paper Mill Road, Killingworth, CT 06419; www.SaveDeerLake.com. Arrangements care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.