HOMER L. GIFFORD

Homer "Giff" L. Gifford, 96, of Traverse City reached his place of final rest on September 3, 2022. Giff was born and raised in St. Johns, MI, to Lial and Eva (Bowser) Gifford on July 16, 1926. He graduated from St. Johns High School and attended Michigan State University to pursue a business degree.

Giff was a proud veteran and served in the 344 ^th Fighter Squadron, Army Air Corp. with the rank of CPL as an Airplane and Engine Mechanic during WWII stationed in Shemyo, AK – Aleutian Islands. Giff was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Victory Medal for his service. The P-38 fighter plane, which he maintained in "fight ready" condition, was dear to his heart and he was a member of the P-38 National Association. He shared his passion for all things aeronautical with his family and traveled to many premiere air shows and museums across the US.

Giff developed a love for radio at a very young age and was an accomplished licensed Amateur (HAM) Radio Operator achieving the Advanced status from the FAA. He was a member of the American Radio Relay League, Inc. (ARRL) and member of the Cherryland Amateur Radio Club of Traverse City for many years. Giff (W8FGA) won several ARL radio contests in 10 and 40 meter classifications demonstrating his skill and technical abilities by making contact with people all over the globe. It was easy to spot where Giff lived as his radio tower soared above the tree line in Orchard Heights. He was always building and erecting new antenna designs down in his workshop or out in the garage. Giff's wife Martha' main complaint with his radio hobby was every time she turned around, he was drilling holes in the walls and stringing up a new exposed wire in the house! His reply was "honey this is the last one." He shared his passion for radio and aeronautics with two of his grandsons, Eric Send and David Gifford respectively.

Giff's strong work ethic and desire to provide a secure life for his family drove him to work a full-time job at Universal Electric in Owasso then drive to Ovid to run his father's poultry farm then drive to Lansing to attend night classes at Michigan State. His hard work ultimately paid off as following graduation, Giff took a position with the State of Michigan's Dept. of Treasury, and moved his young family from the farming community of Ovid, MI, to Traverse City in 1964.  He retired from the State of Michigan's Dept. of Treasury in 1984. His retirement served as a springboard for no less than five extended camping adventures with his beloved wife Martha "Martie" to the great state of Alaska. Giff and Martie loved to travel the US mainly to visit historical sites, our great National Parks and family and dear friends.

Giff taught his family to love the beauty of God's creation of nature and the beauty of the great outdoors, which included many camping, hiking, and canoeing trips. He was always up for a Sunday drive and picnic with the family to enjoy the beauty of the Grand Traverse region. One of his favorite places to recreate with his family for many years was the shores of Lake Superior at Agawa Bay, Ontario, Canada. Giff had an adventurous spirt from a young boy that manifested itself throughout his life. While in High School, he rode his single-speed bicycle alone from St. Johns to Frankfort, crossing Lake Michigan by ferry to Manistique, and then on to the Porcupine Mountains. Also during High School, Giff hitch-hiked with a friend from St Johns to California for a month long adventure, before enlisting in the Army in 1944.

Giff appreciated a wide variety of sports, but especially Tiger's Baseball, the NFL, college football and Indy Car racing. He coached Little League baseball (Trude Hardware), and he served as President for the Traverse City Walk & Jog Club long before the running craze and endurance sports popularity swept the country. He got his family enthused in bicycle touring and eventually competitive bike racing in the early 70s, and he was an active member of the Traverse City Bike Club and the American Bicycle League.

Giff had a voracious appetite for non-fiction, especially accounts of the early exploration of the North and South Poles, Everest, etc., World and US history, military, and political subjects. He always had a stack of fresh books at the ready. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was a central part of his life and the foundation of raising his family.  Giff was an intense student of the Bible and seeker of truth, following in his father's footsteps in the Christian Faith, and following the principle of Righty Dividing the Word of Truth.  Giff hosted many Bible Studies in his home over the years and traveled to many parts of the US for Bible Conferences.

Giff always was ready to provide wisdom and advice but only when asked.  He always encouraged his children and grandchildren in their endeavors and never missed a birthday party or a family event. Giff was extremely generous and supported many charities over the years. He was an amazing, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his quiet presence will be sorely missed by his family. He has now "finished his course with joy" and sleeps in Christ awaiting the blessed resurrection.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joyce Hart of Delta, Iowa, and Tina Schmitt of Fowler, MI.

Giff is survived by his wife of 71 years, Martha; children Joan M. Send (Jerry) of Traverse City, and Gary L. Gifford (Pamela) of Hawk Point, MO.;11 grandchildren – Eric (Nancy) Send, Ann (Jason) Hadfield, Elizabeth (Steve) Holbrook, Mary Canfield, Kay (Luke) Wilson. Mark (Mariah) Send, and Amy Attee, Andrea (Sam) Kluba, David Gifford, Sarah (John) Kelly and Olivia Gifford, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Oakwood Cemetery on 8 ^th Street in Traverse City.  A luncheon will follow at Sojourn Church, 1027 McRae Hill Road, Traverse City.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Friday, September 9, 2022, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local Salvation Army, Tunnel To Towers, or a charity of one's choice.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com