Gordon B. Gifford

Gifford, Gordon B. Jr. of Walpole, formerly of Wellesley, died after a prolonged illness on April 16, 2008. He was the dear husband of Gail B. (Bird) Gifford, and was the son of Harriette D. (Dooley) Gifford and Gordon B. Gifford of Waban, MA. Gordon, who graduated from Babson College, was a successful builder in Newton and Wellesley; his work was his hobby, as well as his business. His special talent was finding the right site for what he wanted to build, and he enjoyed the challenge of building above all else.

Gordon was a long time member of the Wellesley Club and Kiwanis International, where he particularly enjoyed attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheons. He enjoyed tennis and bridge, and loved having guests over to sail with him on his sailboat.  In addition to his wife Gail, he leaves behind his loving children, Robert B. Gifford and his wife Paula of Needham, Alan J. Gifford and his wife Patti of Natick, Pamela A. Gyory and her husband Randy of Kempton, PA, and the late Gordon B. Gifford, III. He was the stepfather of Laurie L. Kearney and her husband Rich of Walpole, and Peter H. Conn and his wife Kate of Olympia, WA. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine, Samuel, Katharine, Christine and Kimberly Gifford, Shane and Dubheasa O'Ceallaigh and Aodhan Gyory, and his cherished step-grandchildren, Daniel, Nicholas, and Claire Kearney. Also survived by his Brother Nelson S. Gifford of Marion, and his niece Susan Fay Diane Gifford and nephew Ian Gifford, of whom he was so fond. He also leaves the mother of his children, Shirley B. Gifford, of S.outh Dennis.

At Gordon's request there will be no funeral. A private burial service will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley.  In his own words for remembrance, "I desire a gathering of my family and friends for a pleasant social event that I would have enjoyed." This will be held at New Pond Village, 180 Main Street (Rt 1A) Walpole on Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 6pm to 9pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gordon's name may be made to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington Street , Newton, MA, 02462m or to Babson College, Babson Park, MA, 02457. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole MA.