Obituary for Michael Lee Gifford
Fort Edward
Michael Lee Gifford of Ft. Edward died at home, Sunday, February 26th at the age of 82. Mike was born in Mayfield, New York to Everett and Vivienne (Weaver) Gifford on October 13, l940.
His childhood in the Adirondacks instilled in him a lifelong love of wildlife and the outdoors. Often, he and his brother Brian thrilled the ladies of the glove factory with their harvests of fresh berries or horseradish as they left work to preserve at home. When not picking they were hunting and trapping around Mayfield Lake.
Upon graduation from Mayfield H.S. he attended SUNY Cortland where he earned his degree in Physical Education while also playing varsity soccer. He began his teaching career at Fonda-Fultonville Central School, then moved to Fort Plain Central School where he taught generations of children the benefits of physical fitness and also coached soccer, basketball and track. Everywhere he went he encountered former students (including his dentist) who were always happy to see Mr. G.
A career in physical fitness transitioned seamlessly into retirement where he would walk a mile through sleet or snow in the development while also fitting in visits to the Y. He set an incredible example of keeping fit, always encouraging new goals like running a marathon, doing the Tough Mudder, and especially for our budding golf pro. He enjoyed watching anything we participated in or could join himself. He would always say we were inspiring him, but without question, he was an inspiration to us all.
He followed his grandchildren through every point scored and race run to graduation and beyond. Always supportive, he happily donned every tee shirt, drank from every mug, and executed every DNA test he was given. A reliable sender of greeting cards, he never forgot a birthday or an anniversary, always making sure we knew of his love for us.
Later in life, following his son's overseas military service, he became personally invested with veterans’ issues. With his trademark charm and sense of humor he spearheaded grassroots projects that raised tens of thousands of dollars for wounded vets of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mike didn't want material things, but valued activities that feed the soul: paddling on a lake, caning an antique chair, or just working with the kids on their swings, passes or putts and ending the day with a good book by his bed and a last check on the weather channel.
We saw him care for his mother faithfully until her death at 94, always fulfilling his responsibilities, including those last January birthday cards; a core value until his own death.
Michael is survived by his wife of 59 years, Tina; two daughters, Kecia (Jim) Lifton and Natalie (Charles) Ingram; two sons, Michael J. and Sean C.; four wonderful grandchildren.
Two sisters survive, Cheryl Crow and Diane (Joseph) McGahan; two sisters-in-law, Olga Mammone and Jean Gifford and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother, Brian and his sister, Kimberly.
Michael Lee Gifford of Ft. Edward died at home, Sunday, February 26th at the age of 82. Mike was born in Mayfield, New York to Everett and Vivienne (Weaver) Gifford on October 13, l940.
His childhood in the Adirondacks instilled in him a lifelong love of wildlife and the outdoors. Often, he and his brother Brian thrilled the ladies of the glove factory with their harvests of fresh berries or horseradish as they left work to preserve at home. When not picking they were hunting and trapping around Mayfield Lake.
Upon graduation from Mayfield H.S. he attended SUNY Cortland where he earned his degree in Physical Education while also playing varsity soccer. He began his teaching career at Fonda-Fultonville Central School, then moved to Fort Plain Central School where he taught generations of children the benefits of physical fitness and also coached soccer, basketball and track. Everywhere he went he encountered former students (including his dentist) who were always happy to see Mr. G.
A career in physical fitness transitioned seamlessly into retirement where he would walk a mile through sleet or snow in the development while also fitting in visits to the Y. He set an incredible example of keeping fit, always encouraging new goals like running a marathon, doing the Tough Mudder, and especially for our budding golf pro. He enjoyed watching anything we participated in or could join himself. He would always say we were inspiring him, but without question, he was an inspiration to us all.
He followed his grandchildren through every point scored and race run to graduation and beyond. Always supportive, he happily donned every tee shirt, drank from every mug, and executed every DNA test he was given. A reliable sender of greeting cards, he never forgot a birthday or an anniversary, always making sure we knew of his love for us.
Later in life, following his son's overseas military service, he became personally invested with veterans’ issues. With his trademark charm and sense of humor he spearheaded grassroots projects that raised tens of thousands of dollars for wounded vets of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mike didn't want material things, but valued activities that feed the soul: paddling on a lake, caning an antique chair, or just working with the kids on their swings, passes or putts and ending the day with a good book by his bed and a last check on the weather channel.
We saw him care for his mother faithfully until her death at 94, always fulfilling his responsibilities, including those last January birthday cards; a core value until his own death.
Michael is survived by his wife of 59 years, Tina; two daughters, Kecia (Jim) Lifton and Natalie (Charles) Ingram; two sons, Michael J. and Sean C.; four wonderful grandchildren.
Two sisters survive, Cheryl Crow and Diane (Joseph) McGahan; two sisters-in-law, Olga Mammone and Jean Gifford and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother, Brian and his sister, Kimberly.