David Malcolm Gifford

David M. Gifford, 66, of Norgate Road, Attleboro, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his devoted family and friends on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Colette Flores Gifford, whom he married in August 2008. Born in Waterville, Maine on December 4, 1946, he was the son of Lori West of Attleboro and the late David D. Gifford. Dave was raised and educated in Mansfield, Massachusetts and was a 1964 graduate of Mansfield High School where hew as an outstanding athlete and member of the varsity baseball and basketball teams. He joined the United States Army in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1967. After living in California and Lake Tahoe, he moved to Veazie, Maine. He was the owner and operator of a commercial cleaning business there before returning to Massachusetts in the late 1990's where he continued his business until his retirement in 2006. He was an avid and accomplished horseshoe player, winning many competitive tournaments including the Massachusetts State and New England Championships. Mr. Gifford was a member of the Foxboro Horseshoe League for many years. He also loved to golf, play cards and watch the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, but he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. His fondest memories were of times spent with family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife and his mother, David is survived by his two loving and devoted children: Michelle Burke and her husband, Kevin, of Norwich, Connecticut and David Gifford and his wife, Karen, of Veazie, Maine; his four cherished grandchildren: Madison and Bailey Gifford and Mackenzie and Riley Burke. He is also survived by his wife's children: Michael Flores of Taunton and Amy Young of Lowell. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral immediately following visitation on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 3:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Kelly K. Thibeault, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Old Post Road, North Attleboro, officiating. Burial will be private. Children's room available during visitation and the funeral. Following services on Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2013 an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship, refreshments and remembrance at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VA Medical Center - Voluntary Services, 830 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02908. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an online guestbook at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.