Clifford Avery Everest

“Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away.” Cliff Everest’s spirit soared on Valentine’s Day, 2017 after an incredibly valiant effort against cancer.



Cliff was born Sept 26, 1955, the oldest of four sons. He grew up in Holden, Massachusetts and earned a B.A. in Business at U.Mass in Amherst. He moved west to Montana and worked for FDIC as a bank examiner. It was flying to various bank jobs that inspired Cliff to get his pilot’s license. Cliff married Brooke Williamson in 1982 in Bozeman. They chose to move north to Alaska where Cliff continued to work in the banking industry in Anchorage. Cliff bought an airplane and many adventures ensued, flying to remote areas for fishing, hiking, skiing etc. Cliff got an opportunity to “ditch the suit” and moved to Nome to become a station manager for an airline. A year later, Cliff became a commercial pilot, based out of Unalakleet, Alaska, flying to various bush villages in western Alaska. Missing our Montana sunshine, Cliff and Brooke returned to Bozeman and Cliff worked on finishing a house north of Bozeman. Winters were spent skiing and working at Bridger Bowl. Summers, Cliff returned to Alaska to fly. Eventually, Cliff and Brooke became year round residents in Bozeman and Cliff did snow grooming in the winter and lift maintenance in the summer at Bridger. Cliff enjoyed floating rivers, spring trips to the desert, bird hunting with his Brittanys, cross country skiing, carpentry projects, reading, and music. Motorcycling became a passion after his flying years. Cliff loved the great outdoors, and felt that every day was a gift.



Cliff was preceded in death by his brother David, father Rudy Everest, and stepfather John Hirbour. He is survived by his wife Brooke, mother Elizabeth Hirbour, brother Peter (Marian) Everest, brother John (Katy) Everest and various in-laws, nieces and nephews.



Cliff tried to stay positive and find a little bit of joy in every day when he was ill. We would like to thank our Bozeman Health Family, Bridger Bowl Family, and Skunk Creek Neighborhood Family for all of their love and support. A memorial celebration will be planned at a future date