RHINEBECK, N.Y. - William J. (Bill) Gifford, of Rhinebeck, N.Y., died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. following a courageous 3-year battle against brain cancer. He was 73.

Born Nov. 15, 1940, in Concord, he was the eldest son of William R. and Arline Drapeau Gifford.

On Nov. 12, 1960, in Concord, he married Patricia Knowlton, who survives at home in Rhinebeck. They previously resided in Salt Point, and Staatsburg.

Bill was a 1958 graduate of St. John High School in Concord, the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Manchester, and Marist College. He worked as a System Quality Assurance Engineer for IBM in Poughkeepsie from 1961 to 1993, and then as a technical consultant and auditor for Det Norske Veritas (DNV) from 1993 until his retirement in 2010.

Bill enjoyed poetry and studying history, and was active in various outdoor activities throughout the course of his life. He held a private pilot flying license and was a lifetime member of the Neighbors' Gun Club in Rhinebeck.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, of 53 years, survivors include four children, Catherine A. Keim and her husband, Terry, of Williston, Vt., David J. Gifford and his wife, Mathilda, of Germantown, N.Y., Russell V. Gifford of Plano, Texas and William E. Gifford and his wife of New Hampshire; four grandchildren; two sisters, Karen Stillman and Ellen Ayer; two brothers, Edmund and Ronald Gifford; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and kindness provided over the past three years by Dr. David Cho, Dr. John McNulty, Baron Heisey, RPA-C, Dr. E. Farhingi and staff at Hudson Valley Radiology / Oncology, Dr. R. Kancherla and staff at Hudson Valley Hematology / Oncology, and the Emergency Room staff and the Respiratory Care Unit nurses and staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Calling hours are Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 11 to 1 p.m. with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home, 50 S. Main Street, Concord.

Interment will follow in the Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601, or to the Rhinebeck Rescue Squad, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck, N.Y. 12572.

To sign the online register please visit Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck.

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

Published by Concord Monitor on Nov. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for William Gifford

9 Entries

November 23, 2013

So sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was a very quiet and extremely intelligent classmate. I connected with him 5 years ago through the internet and enjoyed hearing about his family and his accomplishments. I'm sure you all have many wonderful memories to keep him alive in your hearts. Carol and Joe Alosa

Christine O'Han

November 20, 2013

So very sorry to hear Bill passed. I live up the street and for years, whenever I saw him walking, I would stop and chat with him. He was such a nice man and I will greatly miss seeing him out on his walks or rides.

Carole Gifford Dillon

November 19, 2013

So sorry to hear the sad news.
Condolences to all the Gifford family.

Rocky and Sandy Vezina '58

November 17, 2013

At times like this, it is hard to find the words that will comfort you and your family. Bill was a classmate of mine and I have many happy memories of years gone by too fast. We are both thinking of you now and share this loss with you.

Lydia Perry

November 17, 2013

Karen, Ellen, Ron, Teddy,

We are so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts an prayers. I pray that you will find peace during this most difficult time.

Love,

Lydia, John, & Lynda

The Entire Staff of Waters Funeral Home

November 17, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

Dodie Graney

November 15, 2013

Pat, am sorry to hear that Bill passed away. I will remember both of you in my prayers.

Ave and Jane Cate

November 15, 2013

We are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I know how much his classmates from St. Johns cared about him and respected his intellect. Jane met him just once and thought he was a great guy. He will be remembered lovingly. Averill and Jane Cate

Ann Ruby

November 15, 2013

Cathy and family, I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a lovely gentlemen to work with, always respectful and willing to offer his knowledge to help others. I hope your memories of him will help sustain you at this time. Please know you are in my prayers.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results