Biography
Warren Harold Cleeland, Sr. passed away in Fresno, CA on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Community Regional Medical Center. After proudly serving in the US Marines, Warren enjoyed a long career in as a salesperson, business owner and entrepreneur. Warren, born in 1925 in Alhambra, California, was 84 years old at the time of his death.
Warren (known to many as "Soarin Warren") was well known for his love of adventure and sports spending much time hang gliding, snow skiing, scuba diving, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed the company of friends and was a master story teller. After a hang gliding accident in 1997 required a leg amputation, Warren inspired many by returning to downhill skiing, serving as a mountain host and ski patrol for Sierra Summit Ski Resort.
Warren served as a hospital volunteer and was named volunteer of the year at Saint Agnes Medical Center where he helped develop a program for amputees to visit patients facing similar surgeries. His leisure time (when he was not involved in some high-intensity adventure sport) was spent tending his extensive rose garden, woodworking, painting, playing cribbage, and reading.
Warren is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 61 years, two sons; Warren Jr and wife Julie, Phillip, and two grandchildren, Jennifer Jones and Tres Cleeland (Warren III).
Phyllis and family would like to thank the physicians who provided care to Warren during his illness- Ed Hanks, Cecil Bullard, Gloria Jimenez and Richard Gregory. In addition they would like to thank the staff at Fresno Heart & Surgical for providing care and support for Warren.
Services will be held on Friday, January 29, at 11:00am at Northpark Community Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, c/o Community Medical Foundation, 126 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93701
Warren Cleeland Memorial Tribute Video