Beloved local man Clifford L. Rousseau, 72, Chehalis, died on Dec. 28 at Providence St. Peter Hospital.
Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home.
Rousseau was known throughout the community for his cheerful disposition, reliable presence at church and his work at Walmart and other businesses in the Twin Cities.
Over the years, he could often be seen riding his bicycle through the streets of Chehalis, making stops along the way to visit with friends — of which he had many.
In 2018, former Chronicle journalist Alex Brown interviewed Rousseau about his longtime status as an honorary member of the U.S. Army.
That article is republished below:
The walls of Clifford Rousseau’s Chehalis home are crowded with military memorabilia, commendations and signed photos from generals. Tank shells, models and a helmet are on display in a back room.
The collection is nearly a museum, but it’s also Rousseau’s life story.
An Honorary Major in the U.S. Army, Rousseau has spent decades working on tanks, crossing paths with decorated leaders and proving his merit on bases in Washington and Alaska. He’s done it all despite suffering from cerebral palsy, which makes it difficult for him to walk and speak.
“I really think that his story shows how a person, despite a disability, can participate and succeed,” reads a letter from Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf that Rousseau proudly keeps in his collection. “His determination and special abilities are something to be admired.”
Born in Yakima in 1953, Rousseau grew up the son of a World War II Air Force veteran. Fascinated with the military, he found a particular interest in tanks. After graduating high school, he approached the Army National Guard in Yakima, filled out the paperwork and began serving as an honorary member.
“I volunteered to do it,” Rousseau said. “I had it in my heart. I knew I could do it.”
Though his disability prevented him from enlisting the traditional way, Rousseau found he could contribute as an honorary member. From years of reading about tanks, he knew his way around the machinery,
“Because of his enthusiasm and his knowledge of tanks and willingness to do it, they carefully took him in as one their own and helped him,” said Sarildia Rousseau, Clifford’s wife.
Sometimes he even knew more than the servicemen he was working with.
“He knew what to do and how to do it,” Sarildia said. “Once in awhile, one of them would start to make a mistake and he would correct them.”
Rousseau has scrapbooks filled with photos of himself wielding wrenches as he works on heavy machinery, smiling with Army buddies and operating tanks in the field during drills. According to Sarildia, he once achieved the highest marks on the firing range during an accuracy for tanks. Turning the page to the letter from Schwarzkopf, he eagerly pointed to the paragraph highlighting his determination, clearly touched by the leader’s words.
Because of his deep knowledge of tanks, and his willingness to serve despite his disability, Rousseau achieved some renown in the military. A wall of his house is plastered with photos of generals, signed with messages wishing him well and praising his accomplishments.
In addition to serving in Yakima, he spent time with the National Guard in Alaska, then the 33rd Armored Division at Fort Lewis. In all, Rousseau spent 21 years as an honorary member of the Army or National Guard.
When Clifford met Sarildia, the same persistence he showed in the military won her over as well.
“He had a bike he was riding up and down Market St., and one day spotted me and kept coming to my house and bugging me and bugging me,” she said. “Eventually, I wound up saying yes.”
The couple married in 1982, and Sarildia said the years since then have seen Clifford make slow but steady strides, both in movement and speech.
“He’s overcome his cerebral palsy compared to what it was then,” she said. “I had to work with him really hard. … We’ve come a long way over all these years.”
Perhaps the crown jewel of Rousseau’s impressive military collection is out in the garage, a series of components that will one day make up a one-quarter scale wooden tank. Piece by piece, the model will come together, comprising a 6-foot tank. It will be made up of all the same parts as the real deal, down to the track adjusting link assembly, a completed piece Rousseau proudly showed off.
The model tank will be the third Rousseau has built, putting to use the skills he learned in wood shop in high school and during his time working on tanks in the military. One of his tanks won a special award at the Southwest Washington Fair in 2005, and it’s now touring the country on display.
“This is gonna be the biggest one,” said Mary Arth, an employment consultant with Morningside Services who’s known Rousseau since childhood.
Arth beamed as she watched Rousseau show off his collection and life story, reflecting on all she’s watched him accomplish.
“Wonderful,” she said. “Just a true blessing.”
Condolences and remembrances
After The Chronicle announced news of Clifford L. Rousseau’s death on Wednesday, those who knew him posted condolences and remembrances of the beloved local man. Below is a sampling of some of the comments. To see all the comments, visit The Chronicle’s Facebook page.
• “His love for the military always shone through his daily activities. I miss his visits to the Centralia Armory and seeing him greet folks at Walmart. I had the honor to bring him and his wonderful bride home from a Saint Barbra’s Day (military ball). He was always thankful and excited to share his amazing workmanship in his wooden tanks. Cliff was a local treasure, and lovingly missed by many.” — Brian Hill
• “Cliff never met a stranger. He had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever known. His faith in God was a true testament to his strength and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.” — Patti McKerricher-Boyd
• “What an amazing man and story. That’s the attitude one with a disability must have to get by in life. I have a daughter who has Cerebral Palsy. She was determined too. She didn’t let her CP get her down. Clifford is one man who had a passion to not let CP get him down. He strived to be the best he could be.” — Ron-Josie Staley
• “I have known Cliff for many many years! He never missed a Sunday at St Joseph Catholic church and he would come to the church to pray every day that he was able. Walking most of the time. Cliff did not have a one stranger in this world. Everyone was his friend and he was always ready to give a big hug to those of us he knew best. His smile never faded because he felt he was the luckiest man in the world. He is someone who everyone could take a lesson from when we think we have had a bad day or when we might have a little doubt about the Lord. Cliff loved him dearly in spite of all of his pain, disability and hardships.” — Jeanette Vetter-Brewer
• “I will always treasure the memories of working in the Rousseau’s home, absolutely genuine loving kind people. Clifford’s bigger than life’s heart, always wanting those around him comfortable. Clifford always greeting you with a smile and hug. Truly one of the sweetest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing this life with. See you in heaven Clifford.” — Wanda Allison
• “I met Cliff about 40 years ago. He always impressed me with his knowledge and stories about his beloved Army … and the equipment, especially tanks, that he was fascinated with. Over the years I had the opportunity to photograph Cliff at my photography studio and at the Lewis County Fair. He was always so sharp in whichever uniform he chose to wear for his portraits. My favorite story from Cliff was when he met General Norman Schwarzkopf, Commander at Ft. Lewis. The general presented Cliff with an autographed military cap. In return, Cliff presented the general with a scaled model tank that could have been made from wood. Exact to the smallest details. Cliff loved the Army, he loved his country. He served both proudly the best way that he could, with honor and respect as an honorary member of the military. I have not seen Cliff on his bike for a couple years now. It was not uncommon for him to cover the streets of the Twin Cities on his two wheels. He will be missed.” — Bradd Reynolds
• “Cliff was a real go-getter. Whatever he did, he did with his whole heart. From pushing carts for Walmart to building model tanks. The more I got to know him and learned about him, I realized he was an amazing person and an overcomer. While working at Walmart, he would come back to the personnel office and we would salute each other. He loved it. After he retired from Walmart, he would still come back to the office, salute me and visit with me. He loved Walmart! I will miss him.” — Sam Meyers
• “Clifford was one of a kind and was very talented. His tanks were a work of art. I often enjoyed talking with Clifford when I’d see him out and about. His presence in our city will be missed. RIP Clifford.” — Dennis Dawes
