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Douglas Gifford Obituary

Douglas Martin Gifford, 62, Topeka, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2008 at a local hospital. Doug was born February 15, 1946 in Garnett, the son of Ivan and Pauline (Satchell) Gifford. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965 where he was a member of the Skyryders Drum and Bugle Corp. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Korea, he met his first wife, Sunduc, with whom he had his first child, Kathrine. He later was stationed in Alaska and Washington state. He was employed by Westar Energy as a equipment operator, retiring in 2003. He was a member of Sports Car Clb of America (SCCA) from 1978 until 2006. Doug married Patricia Cockerell in 1980. She survives. Other survivors include son, William Gifford, also of Topeka; daughter, Katherine Gifford-Abner, Maryland; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2008 at Newcomer Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerTopeka.com Douglas Gifford

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Nov. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Gifford

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Linda Ernst

November 7, 2008

Dear Giffords,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Ernsts
Bob, Linda, Becky & Jamie

Linda Widstrand

November 7, 2008

Pat,
You have my heart-felt sympathy for the loss of your husband. I'm so sorry.

Dorie Dunham

November 7, 2008

Dear Pat, My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Winnie Clutter

November 6, 2008

I will always remember the good food you prepared for us at the trail rides. Thank you for your smiling face and always being there for us.

Ray Herman

November 6, 2008

Doug was one of my trainers at Jeffrey Energy Center. Such a great guy! Always had a good story about cars. I dont think there was ANYTHING he didnt know. What a joy he was. Ray (pee-wee) Herman.

Arden Dean

November 5, 2008

Pat & William,
I am very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing him at the SCCA races and catching up. He will be missed.

Glenda NELSON

November 5, 2008

Pat,
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Doris Davidson

November 5, 2008

Pat,
So sorry to hear of your loss. There is never an aloneness like loosing your husband. Find your way, in your own time. God Bless you and your family.

Sherry Hill

November 5, 2008

Pat and William,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hill Family

Susan Dean

November 5, 2008

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation

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