It is with deep sadness that the family of Gary Allen Gifford announces his passing on April 2, 2023, at 11:11 PM after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and was sent off showered with love. Gary was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on January 21, 1959, to Deanna Kelch(Guynup) and Frank Gifford.

Gary had many talents but the one he will be remembered for the most is his ability to make everyone feel happy. When Gary was around there was always so much laughter and no shortage of jokes. He was born to entertain through his beautiful talent with the guitar and amazing voice. There was never an event where Gary didn't bring his guitar and entertain with his music and inappropriate jokes. He played in many bands throughout his life and made lifelong connections during this time. The most remembered bandmates were from his time playing with "Crawdad Creek" and "Moose in the Marsh".

Another passion for Gary was his love of bass fishing. Gary was often found on the river or lake from May to October, on his bass boat. We were all convinced his love for that boat was greater than us, although he would deny this, it was questionable.

Gary was an avid LA Dodgers fan, so much so that he named his precious black lab "Dodger" who went over the rainbow bridge in April 2020. Gary had a way with animals, he considered himself the animal whisperer.

On March 27th, 2010 Gary and Nancy "finished what they started". Their years were far too short but full of unwavering love.

Gary was a "girl dad" and leaves behind his four daughters, Tonya (Eric) Mitchell, Melissa Brodeur, Dee (Chad) Gifford-Filion, and Kaylea (Brandon)Hale. He cherished his grandchildren Brooke Lawton, Skyanna Couitt, Riley Hale, Brandon Hale, Avery Filion, and Gage Castor. His precious great-grandchildren Maxon, Layla, Alura, Danika, and Delanie. Gary was finally able to inherit some boys in his marriage with Nancy, he leaves behind his bonus sons Gene (Lacey) Bartholomew, Chris (Karon) Bartholomew, and Paul Szeto.

Gary was blessed to have a large family, and had a special bond with each of his six siblings, even with distance as a hurdle they had regular contact with frequent visits, zoom calls, and family group chats. He was the firstborn and was referred to as the patriarch of their family. He leaves behind four sisters, Vicki (Mike) Mullen, Linda (Matt) Barrett, Cheri (Carl) Andrews, and Penny (Sam) McMullen, and two brothers, Frank Gifford, and Randy (Krissie) Kelch. He was raised and loved by his bonus Dad Lee Kelch, Lee was an amazing father and loved Gary as his own.

He shared a special bond with his ex-wife and mother of his children Arlene Collins and his best friend and fishing buddy William Collins.

Gary also leaves behind his special friend Donna Mckellick, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved dearly.

Gary was predeceased in death by his mother Deanna and his father Frank.

The family would love to thank the amazing team of doctors and nurses from DHMC Norris Cotton Cancer Care and Lake Sunapee Hospice.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on April 15, 2023, at the Elks in Claremont beginning at 1 PM. Please come and share a memory, tell a joke, share some food, have a drink, listen to his music, and remember all the happiness he brought us all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sullivan County Humane Society in Claremont N.H. in his memory.