GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Clifford “Kip/Cliff” Wesley Chase, 67, died March 31, at the Malcolm Randall VAMC Hospital. He had resided in Romeo, Fla. since February 2003.

He was born in Dixfield, April 3, 1938, the son of Lawrence E. Chase and Ethelyn M. (Crockett) Chase Irvine. He graduated from Dixfield High School in 1956 and Kennebec Valley Vocational Institute with a degree in business administration in 1982.

He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1974. In 1980, he bought a home in Albion, where he lived until he moved to Florida in 2000 due to ill health.

He married Masako Sakihama in Naha, Okinawa Nov. 17, 1971.

He enjoyed good old country music and playing cribbage. And, who could forget his love for big cars and in later years, old cars.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Masako; a sister, Myrla Rolfe and her husband, Karl, of Benton; a brother, Alvin of Mexico; an aunt, Ina Zibbell and her husband, Edward, of Punta Gorda, Fla.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; as well as many cousins and friends. He is greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; as well as his sister; Phyllis Chase Hardy.