Gifferd Lester Ellsworth, 83, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012.
Born Oct. 16, 1928, to Lester and Evelyn Ellsworth in International Falls, Minn., he was one of eight children.
After high school, he joined the Coast Guard in 1947.
Gifferd married and had three children, became a salesman, millwright foreman and prospector.
During his life he lived in Libby and Malta, Montana, Baker City, Haines.
He had mining claims in Oregon and loved to talk gold with his friends.
He was a natural leader who was comfortable out in front making the plan, leading a crew or debating politics.
He loved poetry, reading and to entertain with his wit, humor and stories.
Gifferd was a man of unique character and will be remembered by all who crossed his path.
Giff is survived by daughters, Evelyn Seely of Medford Ore., and Tammie Rochefort of Vancouver, Wash.; siblings Enid Carr of Wirt, Minn., Lollita Adams of Wirt, Minn., Arnold Ellsworth of Castle Rock, Wash., Lynn Ellsworth of Longview, Wash., and Robin Adams of Winterville, N.C.; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A private family interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Ore.
For those who wish to make a memorial donation in memory of Gifferd may do so to the charity of your choice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834.
