Walter Scott Gifford

1944 - 2025

Walter Scott Gifford

Cold Brook, NY

Walter Scott (Scotty) Gifford, 81, of Cold Brook passed away on Friday, November 7, from complications of diabetes and pneumonia, with his niece Kim at hand.

Scott was one of seven children born to Malcolm E. Gifford, Sr. and Helen Smart Gifford. Raised in Marcy and Whitesboro, Scott graduated of Whitesboro Central School, worked for many years at the Utica Radiator Corporation and then managed and owned North Country Energy Systems until his retirement. He served in the armored vehicle branch of the New York Army National Guard and several decades as a Town of Russia Councilman.

A gifted southpaw baseball pitcher in his youth, in later life Scotty was especially fond of golf. Most importantly, he was a highly skilled outdoorsman. In his teens, he joined several friends trapping in the valley flats. The boys would come home at 5:30 in the morning to his mother's hearty breakfasts. A lifelong hunter and fisherman, Scott trekked thousands of miles across the landscape of New York, often leading his siblings, nephews and friends on hunting or fishing expeditions. Gifted with bow and arrow, he had even bagged a Thanksgiving turkey or two. He shared his love for the outdoors with friends and neighborhood youth, teaching and mentoring fly fishing in local streams and fly tying. In the NRA gun safety program, he taught them the proper and safe handling of guns.

Scotty was an avid conservationist, turning his vast Cold Brook homestead into a virtual nature preserve and wildlife refuge. In Cold Brook, he shared the bounty of his gardens with family and friends. Wintertime frequently found him plowing out many of his neighbors, as well as his own spread. At harvest times, he would organize hayrides for youth and family. His nieces and nephews fondly remember helping to harvest his gardens, joining in the hayrides and hunting with him.

Scott was the "go-to"person for any problem with plumbing, heating and anything in between. He made welding repairs and installed and improved heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems for all who needed them. He would go anytime day or night to help anyone whose furnace was out or whose pipes were broken. In the family, Scott was a gift giver, especially at Christmas, a favorite time for him. Year round, he brought many the yield from his garden. He gave Carol a scroll saw perfect for her crafting. On one occasion, Carol was gifted with new puppies - offspring from his favorite hunting dogs.

Scott recognized aesthetic and traditional value in the local infrastructure and land. His staunch opposition to development in wilderness areas has helped retain the quality of life for both residents and wildlife. A gifted naturalist, he reportedly could make water run uphill. He built a natural pond on his property. He helped others, such as his uncle, landscape property. He had his own version of EnCon's bluebird houses that gave the birds an exit. Scott was devoted to his family and his community, and they returned that devotion. Everyone loved Uncle Scotty.

Scott was inordinately fond of animals. He trained several breeds of working dogs for prize-winning regional competitions and as companions, from Bo, the black lab, Rocky, the coonhound, to Raquel, Jack and Trixie, his latest beloved springer spaniels. His last pet, Tom, arrived at his doorstep as a wild kitten. In those last years, Tom kept him company. Scott was tall and rangy, but quite gentle with pets and small children, speaking to them in a higher-pitched voice. He often saved and protected injured wildlife.

Throughout his years Scott cultivated deep and lasting relationships with the community, offering support to those in need and trust in his leadership. The friends that he made were friends for life. An honest and forthright man, Scott was, like his father before him, an extraordinary gentleman with a surprising a sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and generosity, reminding all of the importance of kindness and community.

Scott is survived by two sisters, Ann Gifford of Utica and Carol (Brian) Donohoe of Oriskany, and two sisters-in-law, Mary Jeff Gifford of Baldwinsville and Dona Schaub-Gifford of New Hartford. He also is survived by two nieces and two nephews, Kimberly (Edward) Donohue of Rome, Amy (Derek) Arnold of Baldwinsville, Sean (Kyanne) Donohoe of Honeoye Falls, and Matthew (Elizabeth) Gifford of Baldwinsville, and by eleven great-nieces and great-nephews. Scott was predeceased by his parents, Mal and Helen Gifford, by a sister-in-law, Carole Gifford, and by his four brothers, Malcolm E. Gifford, Jr., Jon G. Gifford, Robert L. Gifford and William S. Gifford.

The family would like to thank Scott's devoted friends, Steven Eykelhoff, Paul and Lisa Jane Matteson, David and Kim Nickel, Sharon and Ron Pomichter, Renee and Michael Worn and many other Cold Brook neighbors for their abiding love and concern, and the staffs of Wynn Hospital and Presbyterian Home for their kind care. They are especially grateful for the many months of dedicated assistance provided by John Matteson. Finally, we thank most niece Kim Donohue for her exceptional dedication to and care of Scott in recent years and over the past several months of his life.

Family and friends are invited to attend Scott's memorial service on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Dimbleby Funeral Homes Inc. 40 Main St. Whitesboro. Family and friends are invited to call one hour prior to the service from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. .

Friends may consider the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, 120 Washington St., Suite 510, Watertown, NY 13601 or a charity of their choice in his memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com