Anacortes - Matthew Wilford Gifford, DDS, 56, of Anacortes, much loved by his family, friends and community, prematurely departed this life in a climbing accident on Mt. Pugh in his beloved North Cascades. He was born on October 1, 1965 in Page, Arizona, the son of Warner and Adrienne (Peterson) Gifford.

Matthew graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Dentistry in 1994 following a 2-year mission for the LDS Church in South Africa. He had six children with his former spouse Terry whom he married in 1988. Matthew first began practicing Dentistry in Sedro Woolley before relocating to Anacortes, WA in 2017. Matthew spent countless hours serving in his local church and volunteering dental services to those in need, both locally and abroad. He was dedicated to his vocation and taught his children the principle of hard work.

Matthew worked hard and played harder. His favorite times were spent hiking with his family and friends or enjoying a good barbeque and playing matrix frisbee with his kids. He was a passionate and skilled woodworker and homebuilder and was always working on something. He had a lifelong love of learning and was always ready to talk about the latest history or science book he was reading. His easy conversation will be endlessly missed.

Matthew was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his six children and spouses: Derrill (Caitlin), Addy (Kyle Nydegger), Vaughn, Kjaisa (Brandon Dreese, partner), Aliece, and Jens; granddaughter, Evangeline Gifford; and siblings: Gregory, Patrice (Gregory Young), Jeffery (Alice), Julie (Brad Dunn), Jennifer (Steve Dame) and Kristen (Chris Powel).

A Celebration of his Life will be held at The Gifford Residence: 27420 Minkler Road, Sedro Woolley on Sunday, August 21st at 5 p.m. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and members of his community.

To share memories of, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com/obituary/matthew-gifford.

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

Published by Skagit Valley Herald from Aug. 19 to Aug. 20, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Gifford

Sponsored by Evans Funeral Chapel - Anacortes.

7 Entries

Theresa

September 9, 2022

My condolences to Dr. Gifford's family. I was a patient of his and traveled from San diego last few years for appointments. He was a great dentist and a lovely person.

Naomi K Fowler

September 2, 2022

Such tragic news. I considered him not only my dentist, but also as a friend since 1998.

He was very compassionate as many years flowed at some of my visits. He always listened and shared which would help.

Condolences to his family, whom he greatly loved, and to his wonderful staff. We lost a great man...too early in life.

Steve and Pepper SchmucK

September 1, 2022

We are so very sad and shocked to hear this, we loved him and he is the only dentist I have ever cared so much for. His skills in the chair and the beautiful woodworking were unmatched. This is so awful God BLess his family my they find peace after this monumental loss. R.I.P. you amazing man.

Dylan Thomas Good

September 1, 2022

After a number of dental traumas as a child, Dr. Gifford broke me of a 30+ year fear of going to the dentist. I always loved talking to him about life, including our shared upbringings in the desert Southwest, as well as his recent homebuilding adventures. Lots of love and light to his family, friends, and crew in this very dark time. Because of his expertise, kindness, and humanity, he will be greatly missed by those of us left behind. RIP

Bill Testerman

August 22, 2022

Dr. Gifford was my dentist and I have to say, I he made dentistry a fun event. He was inquisitive and wanted to know not just how I was doing, but "What was I doing? The conversation would jump here and there and finally he would get around to why I was there. His wood working skills were impressive, to say the least. I usually would go early to my appointment to look closely at the latest projects he had on the wall of the reception room. He will me missed by all those who knew him.

Terri & Steve Hixson

August 20, 2022

Dr Gifford was truly one of the good guys. Always enjoyed our visits with him and hearing about his projects and adventures. We loved his Zen attitude and great smile. We send our heartfelt condolences, he will truly be missed by our family.