Clifford Ames

Clifford Eugene Ames, 70, of Traverse City, passed away at home Dec. 13, 2008, following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Cliff was born in Richfield Twp. He graduated from Clio High School in 1956 and joined the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged in 1960, Cliff joined the Flint Michigan Police Department.

During his years on the force, Cliff organized the first Police Cadet Program and the Police Emergency Response Team (PERT), which he supervised. He also supervised the Police Reserve Program, the Diving Team, and taught and helped supervise the Recruit School. He received one Meritorious Citation, five letters of Merit, and one Marine Corps Mast. Cliff retired as a Sergeant in 1983.

On Apr. 21, 1984, he married Alicia Heidorn (Dimmick), who survives. Cliff was her best friend and a loving husband.

In addition to his wife, Cliff is survived by his four children, Lesley (Willem) Vilders of Holly, Elizabeth (John) Thomas of Ortonville, Ginger Sajna of Osceola, Wis.; his son, Michael of Clio; stepsons, Mark Heidorn of Hudson, N.Y., Christopher (Michelle) Heidorn of Sammamish, Wash., Kenneth (Denice) Heidorn of Midway, Utah; his sister, Rosemary (Wiley) Edmonds of Kingsley; his brothers, Robert (Donna) Ames of Millington, and Edwin Ames of Rushville, Ind.; his foster sisters, Jackie (Dale) Kaiser of Traverse City, Roxy Aubrey of Onaway; and his four grandchildren, Renee Vilders, Cassandra Sajna, Anthony Ames and Dannielle Ames.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Ellis Ames; and his grandson, Todd Vilders.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hill Funeral Home, 11732 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI 48439. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to: KRC Special Services, 920 E. Baird St., Holly, MI 48442; or Fraternal Order of Police-Arrowhead Lodge #126, G 4065 E. Pierson Rd., Flint, MI 48506.

Arrangements are being handled by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home