Leland "Lee" Stark Cluff

Aug 23, 1936 -

Aug 15, 2020

Longtime Chugiak, Alaska, resident Lee Cluff passed away at home with his wife by his side after an up and down health battle that started several years ago.

Lee was born on Aug. 23, 1936, in Provo, Utah, to Rex and Gertrudes Cluff. He was the oldest boy in a family of 12 children. When Lee was a baby, the family moved to his mother's home country of Brazil where he lived until he was 4. The family moved back to the U.S., where Lee spent his growing up years in Idaho. He graduated from Meridian High School.

Lee enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school where he spent time on a destroyer and a cruiser in the Middle East. He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States mission. After returning, he attended Utah State University where he met Druce Carlson, who he married in January 1961.

They had two children: Lance and Doug. The family enjoyed flying, fishing and spending time together. He was drawn to Alaska by the idea of adventure and opportunity and moved up in 1982. He worked for Municipal Light & Power until he retired in 2001.

Lee had a big heart where he was always willing to help someone in need. He was preceded in death by his parents; one older sister; and two younger brothers. He is survived by his wife of 59 1/2 years, Druce Cluff; sons, Lance (Gloria) and Doug; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Jesse) Christopher, Danielle (Danny) Jacobson, Savannah (Sean) Haines, Derek (Rachel) Cluff and Jenna (Mark) Hamilton; nine great-grandchildren; and eight siblings.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at 2 p.m., in the Palmer Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 560 W. Arctic Ave. Palmer, AK 99645, with interment immediately following in the Palmer cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Legacy Funeral Home.