Clifton E. Haak

Clifton E. Haak, 91, of Filer, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at Alpine Manor in Twin Falls. Clifton Haak was born Oct. 31, 1920, to Edward and Grace Haak in Shoshone, Idaho. As a boy living next to the Little Wood River, he made his own fun. He swam, fished, trapped, skated and played "skinny on the ice" throughout those early years. After graduating from high school, Clifton obtained a teaching certificate at Albion Normal College in 1939. He then went to Boise to take a welding class, which landed him in Tacoma, Wash., to work in defense. Clifton enlisted in the Navy and served 4½ years; part of that time, he was stationed in Pearl Harbor at Sub Base 128. Upon returning home, he attended the Body and Fender school in Pocatello, Idaho under the GI Bill. This landed him a job at Bob Resse in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he worked for 25 years. During this time, he met Betty and later they married and had three children, Price, Shelly and Cindy. Clifton later opened his own auto body shop and worked 35 more years at his Filer location. Clifton, being an accomplished musician, has been entertaining the people of the Magic Valley area for many years. He played various honky-tonks, organizations, dance gatherings and nursing homes. His band will always be remembered as the "Last Resorts." He had many wonderful years enjoying his work, music, gardening, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his children, Price Haak of Filer, Shelly (Bill) Tyree of Filer and Cindy (Terry) Behrens of Twin Falls. He had five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Nelly and Betty; and his sister, Gloria Kempton. There will be a graveside service held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Shoshone Cemetery in Shoshone. A musical celebration of Cliff's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the West End Senior Center in Buhl.