Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1918

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street

Countryside, Illinois

Edgar Gifford Obituary

Dr. Edgar Gifford

Dr. Edgar "Ted" Gifford is a 4th generation "Chicagoan," having resided in Hinsdale and La Grange since 1924.

Born in Chicago on July 24, 1918. He is a 1936 graduate of Lyons Township High School in La Grange, and a 1940 B.A. graduate of DePauw University. He was a surgical technician in the U.S. Army during World War 11. After WWII, he earned a D.D.S. (dentistry) degree from the U. of Illinois in Chicago and then practiced general dentistry in La Grange until he was 81 years old. Ted's motto throughout his lifetime was "service above self."

Dr. Ted Gifford founded the Rotary Club of LaGrange in 1958 and was the club's first president. In 1964-5 he served as the "Chicagoland" Rotary District Governor and from 1981-3 he served as a member of the Board of Directors of Rotary International. In 2002, he was recipient of the Rotary District 6450 Spirit of Rotary Award and the Rotary International Service Above Self Award. In 2003, the Rotary Club of La Grange established the Ted Gifford Community Service Award to honor "unsung heroes" in La Grange for their voluntarism for community services. In the last few years, Dr. Gifford made major donations to the Polio Eradication Fund, Rotary International, and the Cure Alzheimer's Fund on behalf of his wife, Caroline Gifford.

In La Grange, Dr. Gifford served 9 years as a District 102 school board member, 7 years as a chair of the Lyons Township High School Interact Club, and he Chaired the 50th and 60th LTHS Class of 1936 reunions. He funded two annual scholarships for LTHS students and one scholarship for a student at the U. of Illinois Chicago Dental School. Ted served as President of Young Men's Business Club, the La Grange Area Historical Society, and PLUS (community beautification organization). He was the V. President of the LaGrange Field Club (tennis and swimming) and a Director of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce. Also, he was a life member of the Post 1941 of the American Legion. Ted was the recipient of the 2006 Community Service Award from the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging for his participation in their various programs.

Ted was married to Caroline Wilcox Gifford for 66 years. Like Ted, Caroline (1923 - 2016) was very active in various community service groups. Caroline and Ted had two children, Anne and Blair. Anne and Jerry Umbarger live in Franklin, Massachusetts and have two sons, Mike and Dr. Mark; and one grandson, Ryan. Dr. Blair and Ann Gifford live in Greenwood Village, Colorado and have two daughters, Kelsey and Taylor.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 6 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 7 at 10:00am. Interment to follow at Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook.

In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the LaGrange Rotary Club Foundation at www.lagrangerotary.org are appreciated.

Funeral Info: 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Aug. 1, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Edgar Gifford

Sponsored by Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside.

Not sure what to say?





Ted was a wonderful person - so thoughtful and kind. I remember him often, as I use his "Rotary coaster" (which is on my end table) for my coffee every day! I feel like I say "Hi, Ted".

Nancy Kenney

Friend

July 26, 2023

I still miss Ted, we had a special bond. He was a great friend - so sensitive and thoughtful. Now he is at peace and has joined many people he loved (and loved him) - including my father.

Nancy Kenney

July 25, 2019

I was just about to send my Christmas card to Ted when I found this. He was my first cousin once removed, the first cousin of my father, William Henry Demarest, who passed away in 2009 in Tumwater, Washington. It was great to hear from Ted every year about my successful extended family, and about his work with the Rotary. My condolences to all his family. If you ever want to get in touch with a long lost cousin, I'm the sole member of Olympia, Washington branch of the family.
Dustan Julie Demarest

December 20, 2018

Ted will be missed. A person and a Rotarian who showed kindness and consideration to me over the frequent meetings we had especially in Evanston. May he rest in peace after a long and fruitful life.

Robert ( Bob ) Scott

Friend

August 22, 2018

Ted was one of a kind; someone whom many Rotarians consider a role model...This Rotarian was for me and I am grateful to have known this special man. God Bless his family. Ann and I send our love.

Irving J. "Sonny" Brown
Past RI VP and Trustee

Sonny Brown

Friend

August 16, 2018

I have had the pleasure of knowing both Ted and Caroline and enjoyed their company, although we would only meet from time to time.. A Wonderful gentleman and a wonderful lady. He inspired me when, years later, I became a Rotary International Director and Vice President.

Peace be with all his family.

Abraham I. Gordon, Past R. I. Vice President

Abraham Gordon

August 15, 2018

Dear Anne and Blair,I just heard of your father's death yesterday. My husband and I are on vacation in northern Michigan, and Jeannine sent me an email with the sad news. Fortunately,I was able to see Ted at his 100th birthday party in July.As you know, Ted was very special to me, you know of our unique bond. Among his many fine qualities, your dad was kind and loyal. He knew that I wanted to talk about my father, his long-time friend, and was always there when I needed him.All I can is that after a life of service, he is at rest be now, joining his beloved Caroline, reunited with his parents, and "catching up" with his many, many friends. But I will miss knowing that he is around.Fondly, Nancy Mabin Kenney

Nancy Kenney

August 14, 2018

August 13, 2018


Mr. Blair Gifford
5730 S.Geneva St.
Greenwood Village
CO 80111



Dear Blair,


We are deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of Past Director Edger D. Ted Gifford (1981-83)

Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and condolences in your bereavement. May Almighty grant peace to the departed noble soul and enough strength to all the family members to bear this irreparable loss.


With kind regards,


Yours in sorrow,





SUSHIL GUPTA & VINITA GUPTA

Sushil Gupta

Friend

August 13, 2018

To the Gifford family,

Your father first introduced himself to me 20 years ago when I purchased a dental practice down the street from his on Hillgrove Ave. After that, he relentlessly pursued me until I finally ended up joining the La Grange Rotary club, and eventually I was the dental provider to both him and your mother Caroline. Ted was one of the kindest and gentlest men I have ever encountered. I am proud to say I knew him. My sympathy to your families.

Dr. Thomas Bell

August 5, 2018

Dear Gifford family,
I am so saddened to read of Dr. Gifford's passing. He was a wonderful person on this earth with a very generous heart. How very special to have a role model like that for a dad. May your many happy memories be with you at this sad time. Peace to you all.
Vicki Lysen, Lawrence, KS

Vicki Lysen

August 4, 2018

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad time and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

Z L

August 4, 2018

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Edgar Gifford's name

Memorial Events
for Edgar Gifford

Aug

6

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525

Aug

7

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525

Funeral services provided by:

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525

How to support Edgar's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Edgar Gifford's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more