February 10, 1935 to many may have been an ordinary day. But to anyone who knew Clifford, it was a day that started one of the greatest fish stories of all time.
Clifford Lee Graff was born in Firth Nebraska on a cold winters day to Floyd Graff and Violet (Boggs) Graff. He was part of the silent generation, but we all know, he was far from that!
One of the most significant characteristics of this generation was their  work ethic, and we all know, Clifford was no stranger to hard work. Clifford started his career as a sheep shearer at the age of 13, not knowing that this path would take him all over the nation and create many great stories, some of which probably stayed secret by a couple of his close friends! This career path was not an easy one, at times it was sun-up to sun-down, seven days a week. It took him away from his family for many months out of the year. But it was a career that brought him 55 years of success. In 1983, Clifford was ranked the number 4 sheep shearer in the world. He took great pride in his work and competing in shearing contests all over the nation. This career brought him many friendships that have lasted through the years.
In the earlier years when Clifford was not on the road shearing he was tending to his flock of Club Lambs. He and his father created a dynamic set of genetics in the Club Lamb circuit that can still be found today in other flocks. He was a proud man and he knew everything there was to know about showing and shearing sheep, and he would tell you so!
This love of his is something he handed down to his children and grandchildren whether he wanted to or not. Clifford has always been eager to hear stories from his children and grandchildren on their successes and even failures in showing and rodeo. He was ringside as long as his body would allow, cheering and even critiquing the judges.
The most unique part of Clifford is he was lucky enough in his life, or maybe he would sometimes think unlucky enough, to live two lifetimes!
Clifford married Sandy Hanenkamp at the age of 21, to this union Nevada Dee Graff was born. Clifford shared his love for sheep, horses, hunting, and dogs with his daughter. Through the years they spent much time making memories raising dogs, showing sheep, going to sheep sales, stock shows, and fairs. Many miles were spent together with his daughter traveling.
At the age of 47, Clifford had the bright idea or maybe it was a series of events induced by his wild and unruly nature to start over. Clifford met and later married Cheryl Ann Jensen and to this union two more children were born, Byron Lee Graff and Kristine Mae Graff. If you ask their older sister, Byron and Kris got a much milder version of their favorite Cowboy, they all learned he was not quite the enforcer he used to be, but who is at the age of 50! Clifford was their biggest fan through sports and activities and could always be found on the sidelines yelling or cheering, depending on the situation. He always made time to take his kids camping, fishing, and hunting. Instilling in his kids the great value of slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life.
Clifford lived his life to the fullest, he experienced many great loves with his many years and suffered some great losses. He was quick to tell you he loved you and to let you know he was proud, but if the conversation started with "Oh come on now!" You knew what you were in for.
It wasn't until Clifford's first grandchild, Zoey, entered this world that his children seen the softest side of this giant of a man. Clifford was blessed with 4 more grandchildren, Kabrie, Kayden, Kolton, and Sydney, two of which get to share a birthday with their dear ole Papa Kick. They all brought many joys to papa.
Clifford spent the last 6 years enjoying his life at Country Living in Anthony Kansas playing cards, shooting pool, harassing friends and of course razzing the women on the daily.
Clifford passed away on March 29, 2024 surrounded by his family.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Violet Graff, brother Roger Graff, wives, Cheryl Graff and Bobbie Graff.
He leaves behind his children, Nevada Stokely (Joe) of Hickman Ne, Byron Graff and granddaughter Zoey Graff of Hutchinson Ks, Kristine Chance (Tracy) and grandchildren Kabrie Chance, Kayden Koehler, Kolton Koehler, and Sydney Chance of Anthony, Ks. He also leaves behind many other family members, friends and loved ones.
Most importantly he leaves behind a legacy that is unmatched to his children and grandchildren. He leaves us with memories and a whole lot of love. He leaves us with a lifetime of snappy one-liners, songs, and a poem you would hear if you were ever in his presence.
Under the howling line shaft, the mighty sheep shearer stands.  The muscles on his scrawny arms, stick out like rubber bands.  With a belly full of rot-gut hooch, and he owes nearly every man.  He'll keep on shearing those snot-nosed sheep, cause he don't give a good gosh damn.

Memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.  Friends may register online at www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com or at the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Country Living Inc., and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.