Clifford Beatty

Clifford Beatty, a 90 year native resident of Chico, passed away Sunday evening, Jan. 22, 2012. He was born to Earl and Estella Beatty on November 21, 1921 and raised in the family home on Kennedy Avenue built in 1906 by his grandfather. Clifford graduated from Bidwell Elementary School, Chico High School and attended Chico State College before joining the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942. While in college, he was an All Star basketball player and the Chico Enterprise sports page headlines often read "Beatty Ranked as Favorite". Clifford served his Country aboard the Coast Guard ship USS Long Beach in the South Pacific during WWII. Following the war, he joined his father in the daily operation of the family almond orchard, making him the third generation of almond growers in the family. His grandfather had originally brought some of the trees out to the ranch on his bicycle. In 1954 while coaching a Diamond Match womens softball team, he met a special player, Jackie, who soon became his wife. She supported him on the ranch, working hand-in-hand through the years. Clifford joined the Order of Elks in 1955 and progressed through the chairs of office during the late 1950's and early 1960's. He was elected Exalted Ruler of Chico Elks Lodge #423 in 1963. He also served on the Board of Trustees and Elks Hall Association for several years. Clifford then served two terms as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler during the lodge year's 1973-74 and again in 1974-75. He was named "Elk of the Year" in 1978-79. In subsequent years he served on several State Elks Association committees for the California - Hawaii Elks. Clifford was elected to the highest office within the State Association as State President for the year 1985-86. He is the only member of Chico Elks Lodge #423 to be elected to that position since it's institution on March 26, 1898. He served 57 years as a member of the Order. He was very dedicated to his country, our flag, and found the outreach and accomplishments of the Elks organization very rewarding. He later enjoyed fellowship with Seniors in Retirement (SIRs), a group of retired men. In his community he was thought of as a highly respected gentleman. Clifford is survived by his loving wife, Jackie of 58 years. Marrying her in 1954, he acquired her three children, Robert and Guy George and Janyce Bentley. He is survived by them, two sisters, Helen Dennis and Dorothy Mauseth. A third sister, Aileen Boswell preceded him in death. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, commencing at 11:00 a.m., at the Chico Elks Lodge, located at 1705 Manzanita Avenue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chico Elks Charity Fund, or your favorite charity , in care of Brusie Funeral Home.