Obituary of Thomas R. Gifford

Thomas R. Gifford Masonville, NY Thomas R. Gifford, 63 of Masonville, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Wilson Regional Medical Center, Johnson City. Tom was born on February 14, 1946, son of the late Rex and Ruth (Schriver) Gifford in Deposit. He was a graduate of the Class of 1964 from Sidney High School, and went on to Paul Smith College, graduating in 1967. From 1967-1969, Tom served in the United States Army in Vietnam. On March 7, 1970, Tom married Sharon Shelton in Trout Creek. Tom was an employee for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for 32 years, working as Forest General Foreman on Bear Spring Mountain, Walton. He retired from the DEC in 2001. Most recently, Tom was a self-employed logger, working with his son, Duane, who passed away in May 2008. Tom was an avid outdoorsman, greatly enjoying both hunting and fishing. He was also a member of the Cannonsville Rod and Gun Club. Tom was an enthusiastic bowler and golfer. For many years, Tom was also a Fire Commissioner for the Town of Masonville. Tom was a hardworking man, and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Tom is survived by: Loving wife of nearly 40 years, Sharon Gifford Masonville Daughter, Jill Carroll and her children, Nathan and Lucas Carroll, Trout Creek Daughter-in-law: Jennifer Gifford and children Dylan Van Pelt, Tanner and Bailey Gifford , Masonville Brothers, Terry (Ann) Gifford, Ithaca, and Dale (Susan ) Gifford, Camillus Sister-in-law: Kathy (Bill) Layton, Trout Creek Brother-in-law: Steve Shelton, Trout Creek Sister-in-law: Marie Shelton, Trout Creek Special friends: Sue and Ron VanValkenburg, Trout Creek As well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews In addition to his son Duane he was predeceased by parents, Rex and Ruth Gifford, brother-in-law, Carl Shelton, and father and mother-in-law, Luther and Dorothy Shelton. Friends are invited to call from 2:00-5:00 pm on Friday, September 18, 2009 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney, NY 13838. A memorial service will follow at 5:00pm at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Trout Creek Ladies Auxiliary, or to the Masonville Emergency Squad. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements under the direction of C.H. Landers, Inc. Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.