“An Old Cowboy Has Hung Up His Spurs”

Clifford Corless was born on September 28th 1931 to Ray and Alberta Pickup Corless. He passed away peacefully at his home on May 13th 2023, with Cosette, his sweetheart of over 71 years by his side.

Cliff spent his early years in the Uintah Basin with his hardworking parents and two loving sisters. Later, another sister and brother would join their family. Cliff’s family left the Uintah Basin for Provo, but around 1944 his family moved to Idaho for a short time so his Father could pursue work there.

When Cliff was in the 9th grade, he returned to Provo to live with his Grandparents for better educational opportunities. This move would change the course of his life, for it was at B.Y. High that he met and fell in love with his sweetheart, Cosette Jacobson. Together they shared a High School story book romance, and were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15th, 1951.

While in school, Cliff excelled in athletics, a passion which followed him throughout his life. As a young boy Cliff loved horses, and would do a days work in exchange for a day to ride a neighbor’s horse. This love never waned, and you would often find Cliff at his pasture on Columbia Lane in Provo, or riding horses at Cosette’s father’s ranch in Woodland Utah, or later training cutting horses from the arena in his own backyard in Salem. Cliff was a skilled horseman, trainer, and to his very core, a cowboy.

Cliff was a hard worker and enjoyed many years working in the road construction industry. He took great pride in his work constructing the approaches and supports to the Dirty Devil and Colorado River Bridges, as well as Project Inspector over Billy’s Mountain and Jordanelle projects. He also worked on many different roads and freeways throughout the State of Utah. Cliff never had a desire to travel, because he said, “Why would I go anywhere? I have everything I need right here”, as he gazed upon the Utah Mountains he called home.

Cliff and Cosy were blessed with 5 children, 20 grandchildren, and 40 great grandchildren. Cliff could be a rough cowboy at times, but he always excelled as a Grandpa. He loved having the Grandkids and great grandkids gather around him. All who knew him as Grandpa, loved Grandpa Cliff.

Above all, Cliff loved Cosette, and we are so happy that he went first and didn’t have to be alone on earth without her. She was his world, his everything. She helped soften out the rough edges.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife Cosette, along with his daughter-in-law Leslie Corless (Steven Ray-deceased), Christine Bliss (Randy), Mike Corless (Jan-deceased), Dean Corless (Elaine), and Sue Measom (Ty). He is also survived by his sisters Merlene Reeder and Fran Keiffer. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Ray, and Grandson Kelly, along with his sister LaJean Stark, and brother Clark Corless.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Cliff’s life on Wednesday May 17th, from 6pm-8pm at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork Utah 84660. Funeral services will be held on Thursday May 18th, at 11:00 am, at the Salem 10th ward chapel, 160 South 460 West, Salem Utah 84653, with a viewing prior to services that morning from 9:45-10:45am. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.

Clifford Corless Livestream