Clifford R Patnode's Obituary
Clifford R. Patnode, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2024, in Homestead, Florida. Born on January 13, 1936, in Keeseville, New York, to Glenna and Henry Patnode, he was the youngest of nine siblings. His life was a testament to the enduring power of love and family. Clif was a loving husband to his wife, Helen. Their sixty-three years of marriage were marked by deep love, shared adventures, and a commitment to building a life together. Clif was a guiding light in the lives of his two daughters, Denise Patnode (Ken Johnson) and Janine Cabaj (Richard Phoebus), his grandchildren, Rick Harper, Lauren Cabaj, Derek Snyder, and Ashley Snyder, and great-grandchildren, Alexa Harper, Montana Cunningham, and Quinn Cunningham, and many nieces and nephews. His wisdom, love, and dedication have left an indelible mark on their hearts, and his memories will continue to inspire and guide them.
Clif was not only a family man but also an active and valued member of God's family. He was an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and pastored three churches in Maine before moving to Homestead. He continued as a Young Adult Leader and Sunday School Teacher. His love for God and the Bible touched countless lives.
Clif loved music; he sang in his high school choir, and in the church choirs. He lent his bass voice to several quartets and vocal groups throughout the years and served as Worship Leader at the Redland Church of the Nazarene. To him, music was another form of ministry and means of worship, and he could always call on a song for the right occasion. His favorite classical music and hymns could be heard in the background as he worked.
Beginning in 1980, Clif started traveling to various countries and stateside areas to do volunteer construction and building on mission fields and churches. His global missions took him to countries like Kenya, Swaziland, England, Trinidad, Ecuador, the Bahamas, Mexico, and included numerous trips to Costa Rica and Belize. Clif also built many houses, commercial buildings, and churches in the South Dade community.
For the last twenty years, Clif spent his summers and early fall at Adirondack Camp of the Rock revitalizing the 100+ year-old campgrounds. His goal was to make these sacred grounds a place where God’s saving grace could be found. He was especially interested in having the teens find a relationship with the Lord. He enjoyed the fellowship with other volunteers and the groups that shared the grounds during the summer, especially the North Lawrence Christian Fellowship.
He was predeceased by his parents and all his siblings: Cedric, Cecil, Roselma, Wilfred, Rayburn, Viola, Janet, Alan, and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rainbow Christian Academy/Redland Church of the Nazarene, 22940 Old Dixie Highway, Goulds, on February 3rd at 1 pm. A reception will follow. A second Celebration will be held at Adirondack Camp of the Rock, 704 Hardy Road, Wilmington, NY on July 14th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, we respectfully ask that donations be sent to: Adirondack Camp of the Rock, PO Box 484, Wilmington, NY 12997
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