Leon George Gifford a Skagit Valley resident since 1943 passed away Saturday, September 6, 2003 at his home in Sedro-Woolley at the age of 83 years. He was born August 7, 1920 in Howe, Nebraska the son of Lynn B. and Joy Louise Cummings Gifford. Leon was married to Lillian Isom in 1940 in Laurel, Nebraska and he served during WWII with the US Army. He resided in Marblemount for many years working as a logger and rancher and later as a park ranger for the State of Washington at Fort Flagler. In 1968, he moved to Sedro-Woolley and worked as a custodian for the Sedro-Woolley School District at the high school for 16 years until his retirement. Leon was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sedro-Woolley and the American Missionary Fellowship. He enjoyed reading and the outdoors especially riding and caring for his horses Hank and JoJo, but the most important part of his life was being active with the American Missionary Fellowship and being a sunday school teacher in Marblemount for many years. Leon is survived by his wife of 63 years Lillian Gifford at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His children Lynnette Gifford of Concrete, Leon T. Gifford of Marblemount, Lorraine and her husband Ron Sessa of Arlington, and Luanne and her husband Monte Geerdes of Conway. A daughter in law Sheila Gifford of Chimacum and a sister Joan Rabb of Day Creek. 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Burton Gifford and a sister Lynnita Marion.
Memorial Services will be held at the Sedro-Woolley First Baptist Church 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2003 with Pastor Richard Coursen officiating. Private family interment was held at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Skagit Hospice, 2000 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or American Missionary Fellowship, Marblemount, WA. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Leon by signing our online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com Arrangemnents and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.