Clifford R. Hubbard, Jr., Capt. USN, passed away Jan. 10, 2011, after a 25-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Butler, Mo. March 7, 1930, to Clifford R. and Nellie Hubbard. After graduating from Snohomish High School, he attended Washington State University on a football scholarship. He also belonged to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and ROTC.

He entered the Navy under their Naval Cadet program and won his wings of gold in Pensacola on Oct. 6, 1954. His first assignment was flying the AD Spad aircraft with the Rough Raiders of VA-125. While instructing in AD’s in Corpus Christi, Texas, he met and married his wife, Betty. He made deployments aboard the Lexington, Hancock, Coral Sea, Ranger and Enterprise.

After transitioning to the A-3 in VAQ 129 at Whidbey Island, he was sent to Alameda, Calif., to VAW-13, was executive officer of VAQ-130 and one of his proudest duties was forming and naming VAQ-134, the Garudas. He was the first Commanding Officer of that squadron. His duties included PG School in Monterey, Calif., AEW at Barbers’ Point, Hawaii, Pentagon, ComWingPac at Whidbey Island, and CinCPac in Hawaii, retiring after nearly 30 years of service.

After retirement, he returned to Whidbey Island where he went into land clearing and development. If he couldn’t fly airplanes, he was happiest driving big equipment. He was an avid outdoorsman and constantly enjoyed fishing and hunting. He donated his body to UW/VA Parkinson’s Research along with being a donor.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, Washington Chapter, POB 75169, Seattle, WA 98175.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, two sons, Jeff (Teri) of Oklahoma City, and Bruce (Kari) of Colville, Wash.; six grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He did not win his battle with Parkinson’s Disease, but he won his battle with life, living it to the fullest. He was truly a warrior.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.