Some memories from Denis Elton Cochran-Fikes

Note: This was written by Denis Elton Cochran-Fikes, one of Cliff's track coaches at Harvard.

This is a photo I display at my home. It is one of my most treasured possessions, so many memories.

Pictured left to right: George Wu, Andy Gerken, Jim MacDonald, Sean McGrath, John Duffy, Paul Gompers and Cliff Sheehan

The last time I saw Cliff was in May 2005. (He looked much like he does in this photo, which I found on www.saintpatrick.org.) The occasion was his induction into the Harvard Hall of Fame, an event I would not miss. Joining Cliff for the event were his parents and his wife, Eileen. Fellow Harvard Hall of Famer, Stephen Ezeji-Okoye, and teammates Bill Barton and Rob Henderson were also on hand to honor Cliff.

Cliff was very much the same “uniquely Cliff.” He proudly reintroduced to his parents and to Eileen. There was no way that I needed to be reintroduced to Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan. I remember them with such fondness. Their love and support for Cliff was infectious. As for Eileen, Cliff was beaming, he was so happy to have her at his side.

As the introductions of the honorees were about to begin, Cliff came over to my table and calmly told me that I had to do his introduction, and then returned to his seat. I was in shock as Bill and Rob can attest. Some how I got through the introduction, I hope Cliff was pleased.

I love and respect him, and I will never forget him.