Clifford Wayne Roper was born on June 14th, 1949, and passed away peacefully at his home on May 13th, 2024, in Sturgis, South Dakota. Cliff was born to Earl and Emma "Billie" Roper in Mojave, California. The second youngest in a still growing family, Cliff was brought up with three older brothers: Bill, Ken, and Chuck. Along with elder sister, Elizabeth, they all soon welcomed baby Steve to the family. Still, eldest brother, Bill, was the shortest at only 6'2".

Cliff grew up in Mojave, where his father ran the local airport. Cliff could often be found clearing runways or washing airplanes after school. This is where, years later, Cliff would meet Don Blocker of "Bonanza" fame. A large man, Don had finished filming scenes for the day near Mojave when he went down to the local bar for a drink. Cliff saw Don standing towards the bar when he decided to introduce himself by tapping Don on the shoulder, saying "hello, little man". Don turned and saw Cliff the Giant, grinning down at him. Don laughed and shook his hand. Soon Cliff was on the set of "Bonanza" from time to time, visiting his friend Don. They remained friendly for years and Cliff always looked forward to seeing his movie star pal.

Cliff graduated from Mojave High, and then went to work in the trades. A master craftsman, he worked for over 15 years in the California Carpenters Union Number 743. It was in the union he honed his craft and found a working purpose and an expectation of quality in his work. Whether it was bridge construction, foundation and framing or finishing work including cabinets and trim, Cliff had done it all. When union work was slow, Cliff joined several different crews in the early Californian wind farm industry. He quickly rose within the company and become project manager on multiple farms. His ability to find creative solutions in difficult environments made him an excellent manager, and he became much revered within the industry. He took great pride in his work and remembered those hard-working days fondly.

Cliff moved to South Dakota in the early 2000's. Always an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Sturgis is a special place for people like him. A nomad at heart, he settled in town and began work on what would later become "Cliff's Keep". For years, Cliff worked to house Rally guests and over the years developed a loyal following of bikers who came back year after year. Cliff was graced with friends making the pilgrimage not only for the Rally but to see their old friend. Some years were cramped, housing up to 30 people some years. But, as Cliff thought, no one comes to the Rally to sleep.

There was hardly ever any downtime in Cliff's busy world. But between projects or after a long day in the sun, he could be found with his mug in hand, enjoying the long table talks he and friends would entertain in downtown Sturgis. Cliff would be hailed coming through the door, posting up at the bar but soon joining the group as more hit the time clock and made their way down for a cold one. These talks would range from daily cattle reports to fish caught last weekend, depending on who had the floor. Throughout the conversations, however, it was a guarantee that a few "Cliff-isms" would be dispensed. All the wisdom Cliff garnered over the years was distilled into just a few words. "No step for a stepper" he'd say, or just a simple "Ain't no thing" after buying a beer for a friend. And always with that Cliff grin, he could warm any room with that smile and his booming laughter.

Some newcomers to the table talks may have found some stories Cliff told as tall as the man telling them. Yet, he had no room for embellishments, he never felt he had to pad a story for whoever was listening. Cliff lived more fully and loved so much; it seems hard to imagine such a life was possible. But from running through the Mojave Desert in nothing but a loin cloth, to meeting Charles Manson one hot California afternoon or how he used to rub elbows with celebrities at his father's small airport, it may seem farfetched. But if Cliff told the story, it happened just as he told it.

The end of the night comes at different times for everyone. When it was Cliff's time to hit the trail, he would never say good bye. "Have a good one, Cliff" was always met with "you have a good forever". With his big, friendly grin, he would meet a good-bye with a hearty wave and say "Over the next hill, my friend". Cliff always left with the promise that there would be a next time. Down the road and a "see you later" followed by "most likely" spilled warmth into whoever was on the receiving end. Cliff was a presence in any room, always leaving it brighter than it had been before.

Cliff's mind was the definition of a perpetual motion machine. If he wasn't designing a pool deck for his Rally goers, he could be found tooling leather or kiln drying a hand molded duck. A true artisan, his mechanical mind was just as sharp as his ability to craft and learn skills totally new to him. One had only to visit the Keep to see the solar array he designed and built from scratch. His gears never seized turning. But for as much as he poured himself into his crafts, Cliff cared deeply, casting a large shadow but treading lightly when it come time too. Always ready to loan a hammer or bend an ear for a friend, because he saw any act of kindness as just being "neighborly".

Cliff always took the time, whatever time that was. Time needed to finish a project right the first time. The time needed to help however he could. And the time needed to slow down and watch the sunset. Often Cliff could be found sitting under his "home tree" in his front yard or enjoying the cozy porch he built for when the weather soured. He used these times to sit and ponder, as he liked to call his musings. With his eyes closed and face turned to the sun, his ponderings ranged from the nature of people to the stars themselves and beyond. He understood we are not above or below each other ever, that everything is in balance. We live in a harmony with everything around us — if we could only slow down and enjoy it. Cliff did. He knew that the true blessing we live with is to love and learn and teach, so others can grow and grow.

Cliff was such a large part of what makes this world beautiful. We are all better for having him in our lives, no matter for how much time. He added so much to that beauty, creating something from nothing just for the beauty of its creation. Cliff lived a large life full of laughter, joy, and time well spent. He loved every day.

Cliff is survived by his eldest brother: Bill; along with his daughter: Faydra, Shane, and Taylor; along with their mother: Melody, who Cliff spent many wonderful years with. He will live on in every life he touched, and the stories told around campfires by friends for years to come. Somewhere out there, a camper is telling the tale of a half-naked giant running through their camp in the early morning, smiling at the memory of a friend made that day.

You'll be missed, my friend.

Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Cliffs Life held at the Sturgis Brewing Company on Saturday July 13th, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.