Clifton B. Arthurs, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 28, in Phoenix, Arizona.

On August 8, 1932 Clifton B. Arthurs was the fourth child born to the late Reginald Arthurs and Florence (Hemmans) Arthurs in Belize (formerly British Honduras). His twin brother, Carlton Arthurs, would arrive on hour later.  Cliff, as he was affectionately known, was born and raised in Belize City, Central America. His growing up years, although lacking in material comforts, was rich in community, a vibrant church life, and deep family bonds. At an early age, he learned the value of hard work which served him well, when he arrived in the U.S with little money in his pocket, but determined to create a new life. With hard work and tenacity, he was able to move out of the factory of a Rockwell International Company plant and into the accounting department, which was a huge step from his first job in the states, washing cars!  Cliff never faltered in pursuing the promise of a better life for himself in the United States of America. Along the way, he met and married a beautiful school teacher, Joanne O'Leary, who will forever be the love of his life. Cliff and Joanne soon settled in Wheaton and there the two of them built a life of love filled with family and rich friendships. Living in Wheaton, it was not long before Cliff, a lifelong Methodist, began attending Wheaton Christian Center where his twin brother, Carlton, was the founding pastor.

Cliff and Joanne also loved to travel. Together they explored Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska, just to name a few, but their favorite vacation spot was Belize. Cliff never lost his love for his home country and Joanne fell in love with Belize, too. They purchased a lovely property on the Caribbean Sea. When they both retired, Cliff and Joanne, made the island of San Pedro, Belize their permanent home. Over the years, Cliff's infectious personality drew many to him. He couldn't walk the streets of San Pedro without receiving a friendly greeting from everyone. Cliff and Joanne were warm and generous neighbors, and it fulfilled Cliff immensely to be in the position to give back. And his neighbors gave back to him as well. On that fateful day, when Cliff suffered the fall that would eventually take his life, the hospital was overflowing with concerned neighbors and friends.

Cliff was so very loved. He was a favorite Uncle to his own nieces and nephews, as well as Joanne's, who grew to love him dearly.  Having grown up in in Wheaton near Carlton's children, to whom he was like a second father, their beloved Uncle Cliff was a part of every major event of their lives, including birthdays, graduations, weddings, births and countless Christmases. He was also a dearly loved grandfather and great-grandfather; his loss will be felt especially keenly by them.

God gave his family and friends almost two months to say goodbye after his injury. His family and friends prayed for a miracle, his devoted wife, never left his side. At his bedside, we smiled through our tears when he saw him smile, when he communicated to us as best as he could, and when he puckered up to give Joanne kisses. He was the perfect patient. But Cliff had long made his peace with God, having trusted in Christ alone for his Salvation. On Tuesday, June 28th, with our hearts breaking, we released our beloved husband, brother, grandfather and uncle, to God. It was a gentle passing befitting a kind and gentle man. We take comfort that our beloved is free of pain and that he is "comprehending with all the saints the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and he is experiencing the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, and he is filled with all the fullness of God".

We rejoice knowing that our Cliff is enjoying a wonderful reunion with his son, Michael, his parents, Reginald and Florence, and his brother, Barrister Holman, his sisters, Geraldine, Ingrid, and Marjorie, and even meeting up with some of the O'Leary clan! He leaves behind to cherish so many precious memories, his loving wife, Joanne, his twin brother Pastor Carlton, his grand-children, Nicole and Colleen, their three children, his brother Emmett, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends. Cliff loved life and lived well, and now, he is living better than he could ever have imagined.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Wheaton Christian Center , 610 North Ave., Carol Stream, IL 60188. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.