Manfred Clifton (Clif) Carlson was a man who walked with God. A decorated World War II veteran, dedicated learner and a genuinely fine man, passed on Jan. 6, 2015 in his Palisades home in the presence of his wife JoAnne and family after he contracted pneumonia in December 2014.
Clif was honorably discharged in September 1944 from the U.S. Army Air Force after 54 successful missions as a B-24 tail gunner with the famed “Jolly Roger” division that fought in the Pacific Ocean. During his service he earned official commendation for his outstanding performance for climbing out on the wing of an aircraft during flight to manually dislodge a bomb that had failed launch.
An optimist who liked to solve problems, whether it was the plumbing in his house or a community issue, he contributed to his family and his community and never doubted the opportunity for an honest solution.
Clif was born to Fred and Minerva Carlson on May 10, 1921 in Wautoma, Wisconsin. Clif loved to study the Bible, and he also loved gardening, traveling, history and the Constitution. In 1947, he watched Howard Hughes pilot the single flight of the famous Spruce Goose.
Professionally, he contributed to building a replica of Independence Hall at Knott’s Berry Farm and developed a friendship with Walter Knott.
He built his Palisades home in 1972 using the skills he had gained as a masonry contractor. He later became a building inspector for the city of Los Angeles.
Clif was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years Christie Carlson and his seven siblings. He is survived by three generations of family: his wife JoAnne McNamara; his sister and brother-in-law Therese and Conrad Kaiser; his nieces and nephews; and his great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades, on Jan. 22, 2015 at 10 a.m.
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