SAN CLEMENTE, CA (ANS) -- Longtime Southern California resident, Cliff Morrison, passed away at his San Clemente home on Monday, July 30, 2012, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 83.

Cliff Morrison

Cliff was born in Canada and moved his family to Southern California in 1958 where he became a successful grain salesman to local dairy farmers.

Cliff was also involved with Teen Challenge, a Christian rehabilitation program, and helped with the purchase of the Castle in Riverside, later followed by other Teen Challenge Centers throughout Southern California.

A dedicated Christian, Cliff saw the transformation in young men, addicted to drugs and alcohol, after they entered a Teen Challenge program. He organized dinners to help the public understand the transforming power of the Gospel on these hopelessly addicted men. Many had been in and out of jail and were often homeless.

He brought these ‘new’ men to the dinners and let them tell their own stories. This was ‘the proof of the pudding’ and donations came in. The Castle needed to be renovated, equipped for staff, counselors and, of course, make room and set up a program for the addicts. They were required to come in voluntary and stay with the program – all free.

And come they did. Soon the facility overflowed and additional locations in Southern California were opened. Later Teen Challenge Centers for women were added as well.

The castle in Riverside

Cliff used his friendship and influence with his clients, many of them wealthy farmers, to help raise support for ‘his’ guys at Teen Challenge. Long term friendships were wrought and many clients came into a deeper walk with the Lord in their Christian life. His humor, laid-back attitude, his ‘cow’-jokes, all made Cliff an ideal friend, mentor, as well an excellent fundraiser and dedicated man of God.

Cliff attended Capo Beach Calvary for many years where he served on the Board and hosted classes in his home. He was also a frequent speaker at men’s retreats. His gentle, friendly demeanor endeared him to all who knew him. A friend described him as a ‘sweet, strong, capable and humble man.’ Another as a ‘gentle, jovial man with a twinkle in his eyes.’

Cliff will be fondly remembered by many who were touched by his life of compassion, commitment and spiritual convictions.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Dori, their three children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Memorial service for Cliff Morrison will be held at Capo Beach Calvary, 25975 Domingo Road, Capistrano Beach, on Friday, August 10 at 6:30pm.

Aubrey Beauchamp R.N., founded the USA Hospital Christian Fellowship (HCF) in 1972 in San Clemente, California. HCF International was founded in 1936 in South Africa and is now active in well over 100 countries throughout the world. Aubrey was born and raised in Holland and completed her nurses’ training in Australia. She is the author of several books and edits a quarterly magazine A New Heart, Encouraging Christians in Healthcare. Her Handbook, “Compassionate Care for the Sick and Hurting” is now being used by small groups in churches and hospitals across the nation. For more information, visit: www.hcfusa.com