Lt. Colonel Clifford “Cliff” Olesen, 95, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2015. Cliff was born July 26, 1920 to Clifford M. and Ida (Kukowski) Olesen. He moved to Gainesville in 1964 from Waco, Texas, where he retired as Director of Security and Law Enforcement for the 12th Air Force after 22 years of service. His first job in Florida was as a Classification Officer at the Reception Center of the Florida State Prison. After a year and a half he decided that he preferred to work with young people before they got into trouble and became a teacher at Santa Fe High School for seven years. He taught at the University of Tulsa for four years, was a guest instructor at the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy and taught the pilot course for the Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders in Tokyo, Japan where he also served as Inspector General. During his service he spent seven years overseas including London, England and Naples, Italy. He graduated from the University of North Dakota and did graduate studies at Tulsa University, George Washington University and the University of Florida. Cliff loved the Lord and was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Gainesville.

Cliff is survived by his son, Stephen of Gainesville and endearing friends Derrick and Krystal Roy, “the cute young couple”. His wife of 57 years, Winona “Wynn” (Cottrell) and son Terry preceded him in death. Cliff was an amazing husband and father and joy to everyone who knew him. He always brought a laugh with his natural witty humor. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, carpentry, landscaping and watching sports, especially the Gators.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Forest Meadows Central Mausoleum, 4100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL.on December 2, at 3:00 PM with a gathering at 2:30. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice or the American Cancer Society.