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BORN
1960
DIED
2025
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Brian Gifford Obituary
Concord, NH - Brian Gifford
May 16, 1960-November 11, 2025
Lifetime Concord resident Brian Gifford passed away on November 11th 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer.
Born May 16th, 1960, to Bob and Dottie Gifford, Brian was a 1978 graduate of Concord High School. A lifelong "north ender" Brain spent his youth attending Walker and Rundlett Junior High School and playing with friends in White's Park.
Brian was predeceased by his parents and his older brother Bob.
After spending several years working at Agway, Brian took a job with the Concord School District as a custodian. It was this job that led Brian to his true calling, working with and mentoring children.
In his time as a custodian at Walker School, "Mr. Brian" was a favorite among the students. His kind and gentle nature, and willingness to engage at their level made him a 'go to' for students in need of an ear or a kind word. This did not go unnoticed by staff and soon "Mr. Brian" moved into the role of paraprofessional.
For over twenty years, at Walker and then Christa McAuliffe School, "Mr. Brian" worked in classrooms, small groups, and one to one helping children with their schoolwork and providing optimism, understanding and support. In his time in the classroom Mr. Brian changed the lives of hundreds of children.
It wasn't just the students who loved Brian Gifford. A photographer, painter and poet, Brian, would often leave a small painting or poem on the desks of his colleagues. He once painted a small picture of a bird of prey for every 4th grader in the class in which he worked. He would pack extra sandwiches or snacks in his lunch to share with his summer paint crew when he saw they might need it. Ritz crackers with peanut butter were a regular part of his lunch during the school year, packed for anyone who might need them.
He was also dedicated to his family, taking early retirement to care for his mother.
While Brian does not leave behind close family members, he will be remembered and missed by countless children (many of whom are now adults), his co-workers from the school district and the neighbors who watched him grow up and grow old.
Brian asked that those wishing to make a donation in his name choose a charity or cause that is important to them. Although no formal services will be held, Brian's friends will gather in the spring to celebrate and remember him.
There are lots of well-known people in the world and lots of quiet heroes, "Mr. Brian" was a quiet hero.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Gifford
3 Entries
Diane Johnston
Yesterday
Mr. Brian was a loved para-professional in my classroom for many years. His gentle spirit and the many kindnesses that he shared with all of us will always be remembered. He painted several book covers for me that hung in my classroom and my home. I loved them because they were reminders of the precious times we had sharing books with our children. He may never have had children of his own but there were so many with whom he shared his life that his love touched hundreds who will remember those peanut butter crackers and his listening ear. I will never forget the student whose family couldn't come to his student led conference. I asked the child if there was anyone in the school with whom he would like to share his work. He chose Mr. Brian. Mr. Brian worked with other students in that class, but not with this particular student. This request blessed both the child and Mr. Brian. I loved being a witness to this special conference and to the many ways that Brian blessed our school community . We love you Mr. Brian
Tracy
Yesterday
What a huge loss to the world. Rest in peace sir, your love for children is a beautiful thing.
Barb Higgins
Yesterday
I am glad I was a part of your story Brian, and I miss you every morning when I drink my coffee on the porch.
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Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Boscawen172 King Street, Boscawen, NH 03303
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