Clifford Cayer, affectionately known as Cliff, Cliffy, Cookie Monster, or Papa, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, in South Natick, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 11, 1949, in Rumford, Maine, he was the fourth of six children to Ernest and Gladys Cayer. Thirty years ago, after retiring from a long military career, Cliff and his family settled into the place that would become "home" in southern Maine.

Cliff left high school early to enlist in the military, where he proudly served his country and completed a tour in Vietnam. His years as a Marine shaped the core of who he was—tough but tender, fiercely loyal, hardworking, and always ready to lend a hand. But the defining moment of his life came on a blind date, when he met the girl who would become his forever love, Glennis Bates, a warm-hearted farm girl from Greene, Maine. They married in 1973 and spent the next five decades building a life full of devotion, humor, and unwavering partnership.

Together, they raised two sons, Mike and Nick. Cliff was a constant on the sidelines of their childhood—cheering loudly and beaming with pride every step of the way. That pride only grew as he became "Papa" to five granddaughters, who brought immeasurable joy to his later years. Cliff lived for his family, and nothing meant more to him than the nearly 50 years he shared with Glennis before her passing.

Cliff cherished the simple, meaningful things in life: long car rides with Glennis to nowhere in particular, Sunday mornings at church, a good round of golf, a bowl of ice cream with cookies, a competitive game of cribbage, goofing around with his granddaughters, and a quiet afternoon with a good book. He was also a lifelong, die-hard New England Patriots fan—faithful through the tough seasons and overjoyed during the triumphant ones. One of his favorite memories was traveling to Houston with his son, Nick, to witness Super Bowl LI in person and celebrate the Patriots' historic comeback win.

In recent years, Cliff endured profound loss—the passing of his beloved wife three years ago, and his eldest son just seven weeks before his own. Through heartbreak, he remained resilient, steady, and full of love. To the very end, he demonstrated a generosity of spirit and a quiet strength that inspired everyone around him.

Cliff will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the good fortune of knowing him. He is survived by his son, Nick and his wife, Stacey; Tasha, the wife of his late son, Mike; and his cherished granddaughters, Emma, Mackenzie, Zoey, Maiya, and Ellie. He also leaves behind his siblings, Lila Berube, Lucien Cayer, and David Cayer. He was predeceased by his wife, Glennis; his son, Mike; his parents, Ernest and Gladys; and his brothers, Butch and Keith.

Cliff's family finds comfort knowing he is now reunited with Glennis and Mike—home again with the two people he missed most. His love, humor, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of those who adored him. A private graveside ceremony for immediate family and closest friends will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Brooks Cemetery (1129 State Road, Eliot, Maine).