Cliff joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 where he served as a gunner and was a veteran of World War II as well as the Korean War. He traveled much of the Pacific during that time and crossed the equator on at least two occasions. After his service, he married and worked for the Augusta Fire Department in the 1950s then went to work for John Watson Plumbing and Heating. He ended his career working for McGee Oil in Randolph and retired in 1990. He worked tirelessly to faithfully support his family and completely remodel their small home in which he lived for 50+ years. He loved to be busy and always had a project going around the house.
WB1AGP was Cliff ’s amateur radio call sign for over 50 years. His three-story barn proved useful to house interior radio antennas as well as to support wires that stretched from its peak outward to surrounding giant maples and oak trees. The steady rhythm of his Morse Code signal were followed up by many postcards coming from all over the world in response to his QSO’s.
CIiff loved Florida and would often spend a month there visiting old friends along the way and enjoying the warm weather. He had a passion for music and particularly enjoyed listening to classic country. He was a faithful follower of the New England Patriots.
He is survived by Bessie V. (Freeman) Leighton and three daughters: Mary Lynn Ayotte and her husband Paul of Sidney; Evelyn Jane Strother of Augusta and her husband Bruce; and Martha Ann Coughlan and her husband Christopher of Randolph; a devoted brother Richard Norman Leighton and his wife Gladys of Randolph; and nephew David Leighton and niece Linda Parker. Cliff also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Steven Ayotte of Pascoag, R.I.; Amy Fougere of Sidney; and Patrick Andrew and Margaret Coughlan of Randolph. Seven treasured great-grandchildren are Aubrie, Joseph, and Gabriel Fougere of Sidney, as well as Braden, Caleb, Landon and Ava Ayotte of Rhode Island.
Special thanks to the caring staff of the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta; Jeff Murch of Home Health Care from the Veteran’s Administration; and others who helped Cliff along his last journey.
A private, gentle, and compassionate man, Cliff will be greatly missed.
A private ceremony will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 36 Eastern Ave., Augusta, ME 04330.
Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
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