Clifford Goodman Giffin (1922 - 2002)

Ancestors

Died 23 Nov 2002 at age 80 in Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co, California

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Biography

Clifford was born in 1922, the son of Clifford Quay Giffin and Beatrice Marguerite Goodman. He married first to Audrey Marie Kullberg in 1948 and they had the following children:

1. Carole Lee Giffin
2. Gary Clifford Giffin
3. Mark Christopher Giffin
4. Bonnie Luise Giffin
5. Larry Paul Giffin
6. Teresa Lynn Giffin

They divorced and Clifford married second to Bette Suzanne Nelson in 1975. Clifford passed away in 2002.^[1]

From the 27 Nov 2002 Alameda Times-Star

Clifford Goodman "Gif" Giffin, 80, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. surrounded by his family. Gif was born in Palo Alto, California on June 7, 1922 to Clifford and Beatrice Giffin and graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1940. He entered University of Oregon on a football scholarship (offensive tackle) and after 3 years enlisted in the Navy and fought in World War II. In 1946 after almost 4 years in the Navy where he specialized in Visual Communication Equipment he returned to the University of Oregon and graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in physical education.

Gif taught physical education and coached football, swimming, water polo, golf, etc. at Jefferson and Lake Oswego High Schools in Portland, OR until 1958 when he moved to San Mateo, CA where he started as assistant football coach at College of San Mateo. During his 29 years at College of San Mateo he coached various sports including head football coach from 1963-1968. He spent his last 18 years at CSM as Division Director of Physical Education and then as Chairman of Athletics until he retired in 1986. Gif completed over 38 years in education and was involved in sports for nearly a half century.

A self described teacher, coach and administrator, he also played the trumpet and piano, was a bandleader and a lifeguard. He valued family, education and music and loved games and parties of all kinds. A great storyteller, he balanced humor and insight with a strong competitive drive. He was described by his peers as good natured, honest, dedicated and loyal. He considered himself a true professional in his field and would like to be remembered as a "competitor" to the end. His strength, principles and integrity provided genuine inspiration for his family, students and the athletic community.

Gif is survived by Bette, his devoted wife of 27 years; his daughter Carole Lee of Alamo, CA; his son Gary and wife Kathleen of Hinton, Canada; his son Larry and wife Denise of Redwood City, CA; his daughter Terry Lynn and John Bishop of Coursegold, CA; his daughter Bonnie Lu of San Mateo, CA; and son Mark of San Mateo, CA; his stepdaughters Linda Callan of Mountain View, CA and Cheri Spilecki Pritchard and her husband Blair of Redwood City, CA. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Meghan, Ange, Rachel and Dolan Giffin; step grandchildren Michelle and Stephen Mastrocola; Michelle Perez; Alexis Pritchard; Kevin and Stephani Aluisi and Jessica Wolf; and his step great grandchildren Skyler Aldez and Nicholas Wolf.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Wednesday, November 27 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Community Center at Burton Park, 1017 Cedar Street, San Carlos, CA, 650-802-4382.

Sources

1. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #27216787