by Kieron Kramer
The Arthur Gifford family of Hoosick came to the well of the Rensselaer County Legislature on Tuesday to receive copies of the resolution passed last month memorializing him.
District 5 Legislator Lester Goodermote made the presentation. He read the resolution, which said, “…we honor a man who devoted his life to serving his community and country.” According to the resolution, Gifford was the son of the late Ira E. and Edna V. Dutcher Gifford. Arthur was a graduate of Hoosick Falls High School and, in July of 1968, was inducted into the United States Army serving a tour of duty during the Vietnam War in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Mechanized Division, out of Fort Hood, TX. In August of 1969, he earned the rank of Sergeant and became an expert marksman with both M-14 and M-16 rifles. He was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Service Stars, a Bronze Service Medal and the Purple Heart. In July of 1970, he was honorably discharged to the Army Reserve. Arthur worked at the Rensselaer County Highway Department for over forty years, working his way up through the ranks until eventually becoming the road supervisor. He retired in July of 2008.
The resolution went on to say, “Arthur E. Gifford will be missed by his family, his wife of 35 years, Barbara Ellis Gifford, his son, Terry R. and Amy Gifford, his daughter, Kelly Jean Gifford and Timothy Hayes, and two grandchildren, Riley Clare Hayes and Sophie Grace Hayes, as well as his extended family and his buddy ‘Poppa’s Cat.’”
In a heart felt moment Goodermote said of his old friend, “I’ve known Artie Gifford so long, I can’t remember not knowing him. I miss Artie from the bottom of my heart. He was a hell of a guy.”
Legislator Stan Brownell said that Gifford worked for the County Highway Department for 40 years and you could always find him in one of the area Stewart’s walking around with a straw in his mouth. “That was his signature,” he said.
Gifford’s son Terry thanked the Legislature for honoring his father. “He was a good man and a veteran,” his son said.