Charles W. “BIFF” Walizer – Obituary
Charles W. “BIFF” Walizer, 78, passed away Friday, February 21, 2020 at UPMC Haven Place surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Salona on September 25, 1941, he was the son of the late Charles H. and Bernadine (Ramsey) Walizer.
Biff graduated from Bald Eagle Nittany High School, Mill Hall in 1959. Then in 1963 he graduated from Lock Haven State College, Lock Haven where he majored in Health and Physical Education.
He is survived by the love of his life for more than 25 years, Becky Smith. Also surviving are eight children: son and daughter-in-law, Charles W. “Biff,” II and Linda Walizer of Mill Hall, Bridgett (Bill) Lewullis of York, Greg (Mary) Walizer of Mackeyville, Biff Wilson (Marcie) Walizer of Mill Hall, Luka Walizer of Mill Hall, Maryanne Manotti of Mountoursville, John Walizer of Hershey and Gina Fox of Lock Haven; eleven grandchildren: Shane Hook, Nick Hook, Danielle Strouse, Alexis Bowman, Carly Walizer, Greggy Walizer, Mikah Manotti, March Manotti, Griffin Walizer, Reese Walizer and Raigen Walizer; six great grandchildren: Ally Mikitko, Triniti Einsig, Mya Strouse, Taylor Koch, Madi Bowman and Grady Bowman; a sister, Kay (Richard) Brungard of Arizona; several cousins; and many wonderful friends.
Biff’s wrestling career was a very successful endeavor. In high school he was a 4-year Varsity Starter with a record of 40-5-0. At Lock Haven State College he won three College Conference Championships and two NAIA Championships with a record of 72-10-1. Biff was never pinned in high school or college. He also qualified to wrestle off for the 1964 Wrestling Summer Olympics, but unfortunately, due to a car falling on him, he was not able to compete.
His coaching career started in Alexandria Bay, NY in 1963. A year later he moved to Titusville where he coached from 1964-1969 with a record of 42-19-1. Biff had his first undefeated team in 1968. He also defeated an orangutan at a county fair after carefully scouting his movements for three nights- which was a true story he loved to tell.
Biff moved back to his hometown of Mill Hall where he taught and coached at Bald Eagle Nittany High School from 1970-1995. He was the Assistant Coach for B.E.N.’s Junior High Football team for eight years. While coaching the wrestling team, they compiled a record of 252-136-5. Biff had 53 District 6 Champions, 20 Regional winners and seven State Titlists. He coached three undefeated seasons: 1976-77, 1992-93 and 1993-94. Biff also coached the Pennsylvania Cadet and Junior National teams in Freestyle and Greco wrestling for eight years.
He was a District 6 Coach of the Year for eight years as well as Pennsylvania State Coach of the Year twice. Biff was inducted into the NAIA National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993, the Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, the District 6 Hall of Fame in 1999, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Oklahoma Museum in 2015 and the West Branch Valley Chapter of the Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
After retiring from teaching at Bald Eagle Nittany High School in 1996, Biff enjoyed trail and parade riding with Becky, Danielle and other family members with Dusty Boots. He also delighted in sharing his horses and mentoring 4-H members, especially the Yoas and Miller families. Biff was President of the Clinton County 4-H Horse Leaders for several years and was also honored as 4-H Leader of the Year by the 4-H members. Many people looked forward to watching Biff ride his wild broncos at the fairs where he competed in the pole bending, barrel racing and key hole gaming classes until he was 74. He also liked cow cutting and penning.
Biff was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved going out with his eldest son and daughter-in-law, Biff II and Linda. They had so many awesome and unbelievable tales to tell when they returned from their adventures. The story of an overturned canoe while fishing always made its way into the conversation and, of course, the BIGGEST fish or deer almost always got away!
He also raced motorcycles in his earlier years. Biff always enjoyed life to the fullest and had many injuries to show for it including ten concussions and many body part replacements. He loved having an entourage of many pets, especially his horses: Dee-Dee, Sassy and Junior.
Many people referred to Biff as a legend in his time! He will be truly missed and loved in our hearts forever!
A funeral service for Biff will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, Pa 17745.
Friends and family will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 until 8 p.m.
Biff’s family sends a special thank you for their excellent care to the entire nursing staff at UPMC – Haven, especially Staci Kaler.
His family will provide flowers. If you desire, memorial contributions may be made to Mat Town Wrestling, the Clinton County S.P.C.A. or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be given by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
