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Clifford Adam Johnston was born on January 14, 1931 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Ernest Soloman and Almee Sires Johnston. Clifford graduated from Crowley County High School in 1949 and attended the Colorado A&M University where he also graduated with a BS Degree in Agriculture. Following college, Clifford enlisted into the United States Air Force where he was honorably discharged following a three year enlistment.

Clifford returned to the family ranch in Arlington, Colorado where he would spend the remainder of his life, doing what he loved, ranching. Clifford was a man that was devoted to the things that he believed in, his Christian Heritage and faith, his family and friends, his land and livestock and his handshake and word. Clifford took care of both of his parents until their death and remained on the home place until he was unable to stay there by himself.

Clifford was an optimist. Throughout his lifetime of ranching on the high plains of Colorado, he had quite literally seen it all, drought, floods, fire, hail, wind, and blizzards. With every blizzard Clifford would always say “There will be some that will live”. Clifford had a very special partnership with his brother Lowell that spanned multiple decades. Clifford and Lowell worked alongside each other and throughout their lifetime left a legacy that will not be forgotten. Their DNA ran deep and their reputation for fairness, reasonableness and honesty is one that will be a part of our area for generations. Clifford was a kind, reasonable man with a perfect memory, even right up to the very end.

For many, many years Clifford lived with crippling arthritis. There would be times that he could barely get his leather gloves on to go build fence, and there were many days that it became difficult to do the most basic of tasks like putting on a shirt, however Clifford never complained. The pain that he spent so many years living with, he kept to himself, and never allowed it to alter the way that he treated others. Clifford would always greet you with a smile and a warm remark. Clifford was a good man!

Clifford Adam Johnston passed away on September 15, 2026 at the Crowley County Nursing Center in Ordway at the age of 95. He is survived by his sister-in-law Joyce Johnston of Arlington, his nephews: Kent Johnston of Arlington, CO and Paul Johnston of Longmont, CO and his niece: Kathy (Verle) Ansley of Marble Falls, TX and by numerous great nieces and nephews. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers: Howard and Lowell and by 1 niece and 1 nephew.

Memorial contributions should be made to the Crowley County Nursing Center in Ordway.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 18, at 3:00 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery, Hwy 71.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.