Anyone who believes a dog is man’s best friend never had a horse according to Clifford Lawrence Barnhart, the youngest of seven children born to Leslie (Jim) and Hattie (Godfrey) Barnhart on September 30, 1937, in Watford City, ND. Cliff grew up in Grassy Butte and Medora, ND, graduating from Medora High School in 1957. He married the love of his life, Delores Weiler, on June 30, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medora prior to moving to California for two years of military service.

Clifford’s four children remember him first and foremost for his devotion and deep love of their mother, Delores, his wife of 59 years and his demonstration of that love in a myriad of ways: remaining by her side through 12 years of health issues until her death in May of 2018. Family was top priority - all his children learning from his deep faithfulness to God and his church as well as the life-long values he instilled in them and demonstrated throughout his life: honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic and his deep and abiding love for his family.

Cliff and Delores moved to Reeder, ND following his stint in the service. In 1974, the family moved to Sidney, MT where he resided until his death.

Once in Sidney, Clifford completed an associate degree in accounting from Dawson Community College while working full-time as a travelling accountant and raising his four children. He passed the CPA exam establishing his own family firm utilizing the “skills” of all four of his children at different times during his career. The tales each can tell…

Clifford had a great love for horses. He could tell you when his first colt was born, assisted his father with their rodeo stock and pit barbecues for Medora area events in the 1950’s and worked at the debut performance of the Medora Musical originally called Old Four Eyes. Cliff’s love of horses morphed into a love for horse racing. He spent hours handicapping horses at various tracks, monitoring jockeys and watching races. It was a great thrill when their bucking horse Whiz-Bang and his father, Jim Barnhart, were inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Clifford found contentment in life - his church activities; participating in sports with basketball his passion but an avid fan of any sport/activity his children took part in; family tent camping vacations; agate hunting with his kids and creating beautiful jewelry from their “finds” and especially spoiling his beloved grandchildren.

Cliff peacefully passed away on Tuesday May 28, 2024, at the Sidney Health Center with family by his side following a short illness.

Clifford was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; his brothers Gerald, Miles and Gaylord; and sisters LaDelphia, Gloria and Joan.

He is survived by those who strive to reflect the values of this strong family man: his daughter Nicki (Paul) Beyer and son Thom (Jeana) Barnhart of Sidney, MT; sons Ken (Jean) Barnhart of Parker, CO and Russ (Lisa) Barnhart of Inver Grove Heights, MN; grandchildren: Cole (Viviane) Beyer, Aaron Barnhart, Steph Barnhart (David Walters), Jessica Barnhart, Niall (Amber) Beyer, Ashley (Kory) Harrell, Miranda Barnhart, Logan Barnhart, Lauryn Barnhart and Suttyn Barnhart; and great-grandchildren: Oliver Walters, Lucca Beyer, Walker Beyer and Kyndal Harrell.

Memorial Contribution