GIFFORD, Richard Elwood

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 03/17/2015 Richard Elwood Gifford died Feb. 21, 2015, from his beloved home in Show Low. Beloved son, husband, father and papa, he will be greatly missed. He was born April 26, 1947, in Prescott. After graduating from Cortez High School in Phoenix, he joined the Navy during the Vietnam War, serving four years. He came to Show Low in 1971 where he met his wife. He drove log trucks for the mill in Whiteriver, where he fell in love with the area. They moved to Phoenix where he worked solar for several years. He then returned to driving trucks for Sunrise Construction. After retiring, he returned to Show Low, feeling at home. He was a life member of the VFW 9907. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Elwood Gifford; mother Zona Owensby Gifford; brother John Gifford; sister Donna Gifford; and niece Tammy Fowler. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy; daughter Tonya Trevillion; son James Gifford; grandchildren Jacie, Hailey, Emma and Aarian; great-grandchildren Syler and Ember; and numerous family and friends. Services are pending. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.