Leslie (Les) Clifford, who taught math in the Upper School from 1992 until 2001 and served as the department chair for a number of years, passed away on Friday, Jan. 31. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Liz), who taught English at Ravenscroft and their daughter, Catherine ’00. Clifford was 72.

Alumna and current President of the Alumni Council Anne English ’98 called Clifford an “inspiration to everyone who knew him.” 

“I had the privilege of being in Mr. Clifford's homeroom for four years; he created a tight community when there were just individuals to start,” English said. “He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, setting a high standard for work ethic and integrity that pushed each of us to be our best. He had a rare ability to see right into your soul and offer lifelong wisdom in just a few words. At the same time, his sharp wit, beard, laughter, love of old cars and the ever-present hockey stick in his room added to his unforgettable presence. Above all, his love for his wife, Liz, and his daughter, Catherine, was evident every single day. Mr. Clifford will be deeply missed.”

Ravenscroft's current Director of Civic Engagement and College Counselor Bill Pruden, taught alongside Clifford and calls him a “dynamic and dedicated teacher who cared deeply about his students.”

“While he was hired at a time when the school was working to improve the level of its academics — and Les was certainly instrumental in the efforts to do that — he cared about each student for who they were and worked to help them grow as individuals,” said Pruden. “And with his classroom next to mine, I not only had to sometimes ask the boisterous Mr. Clifford to be a little quieter as my students took a test, but I also was reacquainted with math topics that I had long forgotten! He was frequently voted favorite teacher—and that was not by accident. Ravenscroft — students and faculty alike — was better for his being here.”

In his published obituary, Clifford’s friends and family shared:

He collected and read books about traveling, fishing, nature, and rock and roll. After retirement, he especially enjoyed watching basketball, baseball and football. He loved to sit on the screened-in porch in the afternoon and evening and enjoy the sounds of the birds landing in the birdbath and the fruits of his and Liz’s garden. Late in his life, Les, a longtime fan of muscle cars, purchased a 1969 Buick Skylark, which he loved to take to car shows and drive the Berkshire County roads.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.