Edwin Allon Gifford

Edwin Allon Gifford Edwin Allon Gifford died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Father’s Day, 2007, after a long and courageous struggle with leukemia. Ed was born in Amarillo, Texas, on September 27, 1935, to James Allon Gifford and Callie Mary Zollicoffer Gifford. He graduated from the old Amarillo High School in 1953. He served two years in the U. S. Navy. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Music at the University of Texas at Austin, followed by a Master of Music in 1968. Ed sang professionally at St. David's Episcopal Church, was named Director of Music in 1967, and worked and worshipped there for 15 years. In 1981, he was named Director of Music at St. Louis Catholic Church where he served until his retirement in 2000. Concurrently, he was employed by Austin Independent School District as a choral director and later as a teacher of geography. He taught at O. Henry Junior High School and then at Lanier High School. Ed loved making music, learning and working with young people. Ed was a spiritual man who was guided by his faith in Jesus Christ. Born and reared in the Baptist church, he joined the Episcopal church during his college years, and was confirmed into the Roman Catholic Church in 1997. This faith influenced his work and his play. He loved hiking and camping, organic gardening, bicycling, and working toward justice and peace through many organizations and his church, St. Austin Catholic Parish. Ed is remembered for his quiet strength and his passion for peace and justice--especially for society’s most vulnerable. He found great joy in helping others. Survivors include his wife and soul-mate of 25 years, Mary Shmoldas Gifford, his sons, Jeff Gifford-Weaver and his wife, Charlotte, Jonathan Gifford and his wife Carolyn, step-daughters Sara Combs and Amanda Lively and her husband Brian. He is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew and Jeremy Gifford, Malcolm and Elise Gifford-Weaver, Shaylan Gifford and Cyan and Jett Lively. The family wishes to thank their many friends and caregivers who gave support and offered prayer during Ed’s long illness. The Vigil for the Deceased, which includes scripture and eulogies, will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, in the Chapel of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church at 7601 Burnet Road. The Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Louis Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 22, in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Ed to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, 78759, or your favorite charitable organization. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com