Clifford Ray Thompson passed away on May 17th, 2026. He is survived by his wife Donna Thompson, three children Keith, David, and Christina, five grandchildren Cecelia, Charli, Shaelynn, Samuel, and Brendan, and his sister Joyce Carroll.

Cliff was born to Hazel and Harvey Thompson on July 7th, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in what was then rural Livonia, graduating from Bentley High school as a football player and athlete. Cliff enlisted in the Navy from 1961-1966 serving on both the USS Midway and USS Oakridge. He was honorably discharged with the rank of E-5 Petty Officer. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University earning a BS in industrial technology.

Cliff married Donna Tatar in 1976 after meeting her in the Livonia Civic Choir. Cliff worked for multiple different engineering firms as a mechanical engineer throughout his life, finishing as a project engineer at Ford Motor Company.

Cliff was a lifetime learner and great listener. He was extraordinarily outgoing and kind. He had an analytical mind that made him exceptionally inquisitive, organized, and great at solving problems.

He was always up for an adventure and a good time. Cliff could also be quite the practical jokester and had the most contagious laugh, usually infecting everyone else within earshot. He enjoyed history, coin collecting, fishing, fitness, nature, spending time with family, and just generally spreading joy and positivity. One of Cliff’s proudest moments was seeing all his children graduate from college.

A celebration of life with be held for Cliff on June 8th, 2026 at Imagine Peace Park in Northville, Michigan at 2pm.