On January 1st, 2023, after a battle with ALS, Charles David Gifford, age 77, with family surrounding him, hands raised with a smile on his face, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All through his life and even in his final days, he had us laughing with stories and memories.

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Charlie was born on March 11, 1945 in Clifton, New Jersey to Russell and Grace Gifford joining brothers Richard and Robert. Being the youngest he pushed “every button” available in elementary through high school! Charlie loved the outdoors where he found his love of hunting and fishing. He followed his dad and grandpa being a journeyman ironworker setting steel 21 stories in the air! He loved going to the Jersey Shore with his 65 Malibu Blue Corvette with a ski boat.

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Charlie got his Bachelor of Science degree from Taylor University and then continued his education getting his Masters in Theology as well as his Doctorate in Ministry at Denver Seminary.

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While at Taylor University he met the love of his life, Linda. He also played football, rode his 10-speed Schwinn across the US two times and Coast to Coast and around the nation of Israel. He continued to bike every year the same number of miles as his age.

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Charlie’s first pastoral role was at the United Church of Christ in Crook, Colorado. He then continued to pastor at Faith Baptist in Littleton, Colorado, First Baptist Church in Sheridan,Wyoming, Campus Pastor at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana and First Congregational Church in Jonesboro, Indiana. He then started Mercy and Grace Ministries in Sheridan, Wyoming for the past 20+ years.

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While being the campus pastor at Taylor University, Charlie and Linda led cultural mission trips to Germany, SE Asia, Ghana, Zimbabwe Caracas, Australia, and Argentina.

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Charlie lived his life out loud! He loved dancing with Linda, raising Labrador Retrievers, eating and cooking Italian style, riding horses, creating his own wild game recipes, fishing with Linda, family, & friends in The Little Big Horn Canyon as well as in the Gulf of Mexico, hiking and swimming at the cabin, badminton tournaments, rattlesnake hunting and sleeping on the cabin porch. Charlie had many memorable adventures while camping and hunting with son, Russell, on his horse, Big Red, in the Big Horn Mountains. Along with building the cabin, raising his family...Mercy and Grace Ministries was one of his greatest accomplishments.

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Charlie was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Richard, and grandson Hunter. He is survived by his beautiful bride of 53 years Linda (Long), and his four children, daughter Hannah and Ken Bailey, son Russell and Teresa, daughter Hope and Ryan Goossens and daughter Joy and Charlie Brehmer. In addition he is survived by his grandchildren Drew, Courtney, Sage, Kelli, Delaney, Eileen, Isa, Amia, Jacob, Kaden, Willow, Kaitlyn, and Cole whom he loved and adored.  Charlie is also survived by his brother Robert, brother in laws, sister in laws, cousins and many loved nieces and nephews.

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We ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Camp Bethel at www.campbethelwyo.com in Charlie's name.You take a moment and enjoy the night sky and thank God for His magnificent creation and praise His name.

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A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at The Rock Church with John Krezelok and Ray Frady officiating followed by a reception.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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