You are missed!!! Love Tammy and Jim

Ralph Boudreau MSP Ret
Tawas City, MI
June 23, 2008 10:03 PM
I had the opportunity to know "CJ" while working the law enforcement career camps. He always took time to talk to and answer the students questions about scuba diving. The students truly enjoyed his presentations. CJ rest in peace.

Debbie
Gulfport, FL
June 18, 2008 3:38 AM
My condolences to the Ellis family. This is a sudden and tragic shock to all who knew Cliff. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He looked out for so many people and helped in so many ways. He will long be remembered.

Bonnie B. Michaels
Gulfport. FL
June 17, 2008 7:05 PM
Cliff will be greatly missed by the many,many residents of Town Shores for whom he has done so many things to help. His family is rightly proud of him.-

Doug Hendershot
Taylor, MI
June 13, 2008 5:45 AM
I am truly sorry for your loss. I was a member of Cliff's Explorer Post 100 when I was in high school. Cliff taught me to scuba dive and some of my fondest memories are of that time.

Audrey Del Bene
Diplomat Bldg...Gulfport, Fl
June 11, 2008 3:47 PM
My deepest and syncerest sympathy to the entire Ellis family. We have all lost a wonderful, caring person. Knowing how great our loss is I can imagine yours. He was well loved by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Bert Buchanan
June 11, 2008 12:16 PM

MARILYN AND EDWARD CLARK
gulfport fl 33707/
June 11, 2008 9:11 AM

Thomas Hendershot
taylor mi.
June 10, 2008 8:56 PM
I am very sorry for your loss. Sargent Ellis was kind enough to teach a diving class for the Boy Scouts. I was lucky enough to do just that in 1974. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to know him, he was a very nice man. Respectfully, Thomas Hendershot

Tpr. Roger Simpson-Ret.
Ann Arbor, MI
June 10, 2008 10:29 AM
Deepest sympathy and condolences to all of Cliff's family. While I did not have a lot of contact with Cliff while in the Dept., the times that I did, he always had a smile to share! God Bless

John Appicelli
New London, Connecticut
June 9, 2008 4:17 PM
I was very saddened to learn of Cliff's passing. I had great respect for him and I'm certain he will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the many other people whose lives he touched throughout the course of his life.

Gene Adamczyk
MSP First District HQ - Lansing
June 9, 2008 9:40 AM
To the Ellis Family: Cliff was in charge of the Underwater Recovery Team when I became a sergeant in the Executive Division. I remember him giving me a tour of all the dive equipment used by MSP at that time. It's not very often in life that one gets to work in the specialty of their dreams - and Cliff did just that. Our prayers are with you during this sad time. Gene

Phil PRISIAN
June 8, 2008 10:34 AM
Wso very sorry to learn of your fathers passing. I knew Cliff while working at Headquaters. He alwAYS had a smile, as I remember him. Phil Parisian, FFacilities Mgt Div/

Richard Griffith
Free Soil, Michigan
June 8, 2008 7:57 AM
I have known Cliff since the summer of l973 when I was a pilot with the State Police Aircraft Unit. He was a joy to work with and out paths crossed many times. He was one of those persons that will be know as a legend in the State Police. There are very few members of the State Police that did not know Cliff.

James & Carol Burdick
Grand Ledge, MI
June 8, 2008 5:31 AM
Our sympathies to the entire family at this time of their loss. It was great to see he still had his upbeat personality and smile when he attended the 2005 Michigan State Police Retirees' Banquet in Lansing. He will be missed at future gatherings.

Glenn W. Dafoe
Mt Pleasant, Michigan
June 8, 2008 5:10 AM
I have know Ellis for many years, was in Lansing with him and up to a couple years ago, I lived in Fla. and enjoyed seeing him at the monthly breakfast in North Port. He was a fine person and always seemed pleasant. Usually had something he found in the water and took a lot of pictures at functions.

jerry williams
new hudson,michigan
June 8, 2008 4:17 AM

Larry Lewis
Portland, Mi.
June 7, 2008 11:00 PM
He was an instructor in my recruit school & I was on temporary staff in 85. I did not deal with him much but the times I did he was a very nice man. My condolences go out to the family and friends of Clifford J. Ellis.

James P Huff
Lansing, Michigan
June 7, 2008 8:48 PM
I knew CJ when I was a radio operator in Operations from 1969 to 1975(moved to Criminal Justice Data Center and that time). Great guy.

Bob Price
East Tawas,Mi
June 7, 2008 6:11 PM
My thoughts and prayers and with all of you at this time of loss. CJ was a wonderful guy and a good guy to work with. He will be missed. Bob

Jon Kloosterhouse
Milford, Michigan
June 7, 2008 5:45 PM
I have memories of Cliff at the Training Academy when I was temp. staff for a recruit school. He Always had a kind word and a smile. When I was a young trooper in Battle Creek, he helped me recover a small girl who had drowned in a farm pond during a church picnic. I was proud that day of how professional the recovery was made and how he helped me handle the victim's family. Jon Kloostehouse D/Lt MSP Retired

Sgt. Rod Hankamp, Ret
St Ignace, Michigan
June 7, 2008 5:28 PM
When I joined the dive team in 1991 I received some used gear bearing the initials "CJ". I soon learned that he was a legend, but also a man who made positive impacts not only on diving, but on everyone he had contact with. He was a blessing; may God rest his soul.

Ronald Lapp
Oxford, Michigan
June 7, 2008 5:28 PM
My deepest sympathy. Cliff was one of the finest Michigan State Troopers I had the honor to know.

Jinnie Class
Charlotte, Michigan
June 7, 2008 4:16 PM
Until later.....

paul/lisa Meneguzzo
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
June 7, 2008 4:04 PM
I trooped with Cliff a long time ago at the Old CenterLine Post. Transfers and different assignments kept us apart for the next 30 years of so. We would bump into each other now and then and it was always an enjoyable occasion. Northport coffees will never be the same without him and I am so happy that he did find time to visit with us in Punta Gorda. Like many othhers......we will miss him and think about him often. Paul and Lisa

Frank Wright
Brighton, Mi/Sun City Ctr, Fla
June 7, 2008 3:21 PM

Lowell & Pat Wilds
Taylors, South Carolina
June 7, 2008 3:15 PM
I served in the Michigan State Police with Cliff and although we never actually worked togther he was well known by all. always had a feindly smile. A great person to have known. Lowell & Pat Wilds

Paula Indriso
Gulfport, FL
June 6, 2008 2:47 PM
Cliff had a huge impact on my life. He will remain forever in my heart.

OLIVIA FLEMMINGS
ST.PETERSBURG,FLORIDA
June 5, 2008 6:48 PM
I MET CLIFF 2 YEARS AGO, AND WAS SADDEN BY HIS PASSING. HE LOVED THE WATER AND IT WAS JUST SO FUNNY WHEN I TOLD HIM I SWIM LIKE A ROCK. HE SAID HE COULD TEACH ME TO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE WATER IN AN HOUR, BUT I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN, AND COULD FIX ANYTHING. MY GRANDSON WILL SURELY MISS HIM, BECAUSE HE WAS ALWAYS FINDING THINGS AND SENDING THEM HIM. I AM ONE OF MARIE WEIR CAREGIVERS. AND FROM THE CAREGIVERS WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO TAMMY AND JIM, YOU HAD A WONDERFUL AND THOUGHTFUL FATHER. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS,AND HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON. OLIVIA ETHEL advira

DiLernia Family (Paolo, Lisa and boys)
Potterville, MI
June 3, 2008 1:10 PM
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers

Dale Stevenson
Caro, MI
June 3, 2008 7:24 AM
My deepest sypathies on the passing of "CJ". He ment alot to me as I was a member of the last State Police dive class that he taught - October 1981. As a result of the impact Sgt Ellis had on my life, I excelled in my dive career, spending 22 years with the MSP team. I was very fortunate that our life paths crossed!!!! May God Bless your family at this time of loss. Dale D. Stevenson MSP Retired (6/20/2003)

Dan Yarsevich
Gaylord, Michigan
June 2, 2008 6:29 AM

Chuck Loader
MSP HQ
June 2, 2008 6:03 AM
Know that CJ touched the lives in a positive manner of so many members of the MSP. While saddened by his loss, his memory will continue to live it those whose lives he touched.

Pam Wesolowski
South Bend, IN
June 1, 2008 6:48 PM
Tammy, Jimmy and Family, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and praying for you all. I was very sorry to hear about Uncle Cliff. He was always one of our (Kim and my) favorites. I remember him always with a smile- maybe because he seemed like he was always smiling. I very much regret that I was unable to come to Lansing for the funeral. I hope you know that you are being thought of with love... Pam Wesolowski

Arlene R. Ellis
Lansing, Mi 48906
June 1, 2008 6:12 PM
Cliff was a very loving Father to his Children. His kids and ex-wife will always love him. He was involved with a lot of clubs, charities and etc etc. He loved helping people and could fix anything. I'll never forget him

Arlene R. Ellis
Lansing
June 1, 2008 4:29 PM
Even tho we were divorced, Cliff was very good to his kids. They always visited him in the winter. He gave me two wonderful kids and I mean wonderful. He was a great father to his kids. The kids, Tammy and Jim always could depends on their Father to fix things. I can't express my love for him. Good Bless Him and I'll see him in Heaven someday.

Rich Davis
Charlevoix, MI
June 1, 2008 1:56 PM
I was very saddened to hear of CJ's death. He left a very positive mark on MSP.

Pat & Melissa Fox
Monroe, MI
June 1, 2008 9:39 AM

Rich Torongeau
May 31, 2008 11:34 AM
To CJ's family I am sorry for your loss. CJ was a great guy and he had a big heart. He taught the Troopers under him how to be better men and professionals. We went on many dives together and he taught me many things but most importantly how to be a good man. God bless you Sgt.

Patty Tishuk
St. Petersburg,FL
May 31, 2008 10:39 AM
Dear Tammy and Jim Your dad was such a comfort to Nicholas and I over the years. Christmas will never be the same without him. I feel your loss. Love always, your cousin Patty

B. Paul Gahide
Sun Lakes, Arizona
May 30, 2008 11:22 AM
CJ was my supervisor when I joined the Department as a young Trooper. I also served on the dive squad for two years under CJ's supervision. He was one of the finest men I ever worked with and I will always have fond memories of him. God Bless CJ.

Diane Wesolowski Jenner
Chatham,Ont
May 30, 2008 9:51 AM
I was so sorry to hear about Cliffs passing, and I know he will be sorely missed. I feel blessed to have known him. May the memories of Cliff bring comfort to all who loved him.

Bill Estlack
Alpena, MI
May 30, 2008 9:26 AM
C. J. set the standard for us on the MSP Dive Team. When I took over the team some of the guys that he trained were still on and they always told me that "C.J. would have done it this way". So that was the way we did it. He will be greatly missed by members of the team because he helped write the book on how we operated.

Chuck Keebler
South Haven, Mi.
May 30, 2008 8:24 AM
To the family, Cliff was one of the instructors in my Dive class with the MSP. Cliff always had a smile and good word for everyone. I think inventing was his passion, as he was always trying to make things easier to dive. I think his vest was the forerunner of the BC vest. My thoughts are with the family. Chuck

Jack Bouck
Higgins Lake, MI
May 30, 2008 8:22 AM
C.Jwas a great guy. I had the pleasure and privilege to TROOP with C.J.in the 1950's. His great pleasure in life was diving. A few years ago at our annual 4th of July picnic at our home at Higgins Lake he helped cook burgers etc. He was fun to be around. . . HE WILL BE MISSED

Don St Arnauld
Newberrry, MI
May 30, 2008 8:17 AM
Spent some good times together in MSP

Glenn W. Dafoe
Mt Pleasant, Mich.
May 30, 2008 8:12 AM
I knew Cliff well when I worked in Lansing, and used to enjoy seeing him in Florida over the years at the North Port Breakfast. He always was pleasant and had pictures to show or give away. Usually had some form of things found in the shores off Venice. He will be missed.

Ken & Margery Taylor
Traverse City
May 30, 2008 7:36 AM
CJ was always a dedicated and resourceful officer and gentleman. At the State Police Training Academy his counsel was often sought out and appreciated. It was a better place due to his presence. God bless his memory and his family.

D/Sgt. R. Humbarger Ret.
Marine City, Michigan
May 30, 2008 7:22 AM
I had a few contacts with him, and all were very pleasant.

Phil Schertzing
Lansing, Michigan
May 30, 2008 6:38 AM

James Downer
Traverse City, Michigan
May 30, 2008 6:25 AM
Please accept my sincere condolences. I had the privilege of serving with Cliff in the Michigan State Police and knew him to be a gentleman and a professional.

George R. Righter
W-Winter Haven, FL /S-Iron Mountain, MI
May 30, 2008 6:23 AM
Was a member of Cliffs School in E.Lansing 1954

Alan Darbe
Howell, MI
May 30, 2008 6:13 AM
Cliff was one of the nicest men I knew. He loved his family and was always there for them. He will be greatly missed.

Tim Mell
Daytona Beach, Fl.
May 30, 2008 6:06 AM
Cliff Thanks for all your help during my MSP career

Jim Smiley
May 30, 2008 5:38 AM
Family Cliff was truly a great person my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Jim Smiley former underwater recovery team member under Cliff.

Mike Boone
Ishpeming, Mi
May 29, 2008 8:15 PM
My deepest sympathies to the family of CJ. He was indeed a special person. I was a member of the State Police dive team from 1971 until 1986 and I had many a good time with CJ. He will surely be missed. God bless!

He will be missed....

He was a great guy and will dearly be missed!!!!