Clifford Wayne Fouty was born on July 20, 1938, in Tukwila, WA, and most recently resided in Mesa, AZ. From 1959-1962 Cliff pursued higher education at Seattle University, earning a Bachelor’s of Education while taking part in their ROTC program as well as SU’s popular men’s quartet performing barbershop-style arrangements. He also volunteered as a local firefighter while living in Tukwila. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served our country from 1962 to 1969.

He was married to Dixie Lee Hightower on May 24, 1963, and together they raised two children, Cheryl Stark (married to Keith Stark) and Daniel Fouty (married to Jennifer Hedland). Cliff was a quiet family man and a grandpa to 12 grandchildren ranging from 12 to 2 years old.

He later worked for Dun & Bradstreet, which ultimately moved them from Washington down to Arizona, until 1975, when he founded his own business, Commercial Collections of America, which he successfully operated for 45 years until his retirement in 2014. As a well-esteemed businessman, he was invited to take advantage of his college degree and taught “Business Management” courses at Mesa Community College for seven years.

Known affectionately as "The Cross Man," Cliff became well-loved in his community for handcrafting and distributing comfort crosses. He took great joy in sharing these crosses, and the story behind them, with anyone who would accept one, defining his generous spirit. He was also involved in various community organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Rotary Club, and Circle K Club.

In his leisure time, Cliff enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening, camping, and reading. On most weekends, you could find him enjoying any of the above at any given time. He had a particular fondness for meatloaf, creamed corn, and mashed potatoes with gravy, which was his special birthday dinner every year, ending with a pie of some sort and ice cream.

Cliff was the youngest of the four Fouty boys, joining in death his brothers Bill, Jim, and Chuck. He was a long-standing member of King Of Glory Lutheran Church, where he contributed to the community through his faith and service. Above all, Cliff loved nothing more than being at home, surrounded by family and friends. His legacy of kindness and creativity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.