Clifford John Rider

June 23, 1937 - February 3, 2024 Resident of San Ramon

Clifford John Rider (“Cliff”), 86, of San Ramon passed away peacefully in his home on February 3, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Carolyn, and his children, Donna (Bob) Tedrick and Rich (Vicki) Rider. Cliff was born in Montreal, Canada to Fred and Hannah May Rider, and was the youngest of 3 children. He enjoyed playing ice hockey behind his home while growing up. He held a variety of jobs in Montreal, including one where he met the love of his life and future wife, Carolyn. In 1967, Cliff accepted a job offer from Kaiser Aluminum, and he and Carolyn moved to California to escape the wintry weather of Montreal. In 1972, they moved to San Ramon where they resided in the same home until his death. Cliff worked at Kaiser until his retirement in 1988. After retirement, Cliff worked a number of part-time jobs to keep himself busy and found a passion volunteering for the San Ramon Police Department which he did for 21 years until he was 82 years old. He also greatly enjoyed developing and maintaining his beautiful back yard, which was his little oasis. Cliff and Carolyn also greatly enjoyed traveling and embarked on multiple trips around the globe, including more than 30 cruises. Cliff’s greatest joy was his family. Cliff and Carolyn enjoyed supporting Donna and Rich in their various activities, which included youth soccer where he coached and refereed for over 10 years, as well as camping, boating, waterskiing, and tubing. He also enjoyed roller-skating, which was a favorite family pastime, and he DJ’d the music at the skating rink for several years. Their dedication as parents was exceptional. Cliff also enjoyed reading and had great interest in building small-scale models of trolley and light-rail train cars, making dozens of intricately detailed ones. He was incredibly organized in all facets of his life. Cliff and Carolyn also rescued a number of dogs over the years and were as wonderful parents to them as they were to Donna and Rich. Cliff will be remembered as a faithful and loving husband and soulmate, a dedicated and caring father, and a fun and gregarious friend to all who knew him. The world is a less shiny place without him in it. At Cliff’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, it is requested donations be made in Cliff’s memory to Hope Hospice & Health Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, at www.hopehospice.com.