Clifford Mark Reigert, son of the late Fay and Bob Riegert of Buena Vista, identical twin to Charles “Charlie” Riegert, passed away peacefully, with his sister Virginia by his side, on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, and 10 days past their 69th birthdays.

Cliff’s extended family, friends, and loving staff of the Shenandoah Valley Health and Rehab Center of Buena Vista were respectively close by offering their love and support as their five-year residency together came to closure.

Growing up in Virginia Beach as one of “The Riegert Twins,” Cliff and Charlie left family members, friends, teachers, principals, neighbors, as well as the VBPD, entertained and guessing what would be next.  Fortunately, the VBPD declared Cliff’s pranks and antics as being “victimless crimes.”  “Endless Summers” were spent not on the waves, but instead enjoyed by getting muddy on his dirt-bike with his brother and friends on “The Trails” of the Kingston-King’s Lake area.

Adulting caught up and Cliff later relocated to Denver, N.C., where his dream of owning a jet ski repair business came true.  Denver Personal Watercraft opened full throttle in the early ‘90s; however, Cliff’s dream was cut short after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 1994 with a heartbreaking prognosis of “a few years at most.”  Cliff forged forward, never asking “why me?”  Post-surgery and treatments, Cliff continued providing service to his customers while enjoying jet skiing on LakeNorman. 

At Christmastime and attired in his Santa suit, Santa Cliff would deliver small wrapped presents from a large dry bag as children awaited on private docks to receive their gifts.

Life changes had Cliff relocating to Buena Vista to be closer to family, especially his mother.

Cliff settled in and found the familiar small town life of “BV” more conducive and took great comfort in being a third generation member of St. John’sUnited MethodistChurch, as well as becoming a member of the Buena Vista Lion’s Club.  His pride was found being a top salesman of the brooms.  If you didn’t need one, you found that you did after he visited.

As God’s plan was continuing, Cliff found himself facing the return of his brain cancer, knowing it was inoperable.  For exercise, Cliff found himself enjoying his bicycle more often until a serious accident left him with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Soon after, Cliff’s safety, health, and well being were secured with the blessing of acceptance into open arms and doors at the Shenandoah Valley Health and RehabilitationCenter, which became his permanent residency for five years.

Cliff’s quickly transitioning into becoming a permanent resident at SVHR left his new friends, administrators, caregivers and staff with countless laughs, pranks, and well-mannered sarcastic responses through words spoken but even more so with his expressions and “looks,” followed up with a smile.

His stories told and created became entertainment for many.  His recall of childhood, old movies, historical events, etc. was uncanny.  Being well-versed on topics he had no exposure to left all wondering, “How does he even know that?”

Cliff staked his claim to the now infamous “Cliff’s Corner” located in the Day Room of SVHR and often watching his old-time favorites like “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Upon his recent (69th) birthday, and while participating in physical therapy, a beloved caregiver wished him a “Happy Birthday Cliff.” In classic fashion, with well-mannered and appreciated sarcasm, his last verbal response, “WHOOP-DEE-DOO,” left all in laughter. 

For the 10 days to follow, as he prepared for his final journey, his sister and extended family found themselves repeating it on several occasions. It simply “stuck,” bringing comfort and even laughter.

Cliff is survived by his identical twin brother Charles of Buena Vista, and elder brother Casey Riegert; his sister Virginia (Riegert) Hilliard (husband Richard); nephews Matthew Hatter, Evan Riegert and Matthew Leach (wife Casey); nieces Adair Riegert and Sarah Leach; along with numerous amazing cousins, family, distant and dear friends of past and present.

A future celebration and service will be announced at a later date for early spring. 

Special acknowledgement and gratitude is shared by Cliff’s family and friends, for the outstanding care and unconditional love he received while residing at SVHR. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations being made to the Caregivers and Support Staff of the Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehab, 3737 Catalpa Ave., Buena Vista, VA 24416 in memory of Cliff Riegert. 

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.