Henry W. Gifford, Jr.

North Brookfield - Henry W. Gifford, 83, of North Brookfield died peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021.  He passed on to be with his father, “Rejoice with great joy – Nehemiah 12:43”.  For I have gone on to finally find my grandfather, Nehemiah Gifford.

He loved his family in a different way, perhaps not outwardly, but deeply and quietly.  He felt deeply about those who have gone on before.

Henry often talked of his family at work but never brought the work or its problems home as his father had taught him.

He was proud of his children; Diana Lynn Krusell, Henry Warner Gifford, David Donald Gifford and Ellen Lucina Gifford and his ten grandchildren; Joshua Deane Krusell, Grace Lynn Krusell, Brian Spencer Krusell, Victoria Lee Gifford, Peter Lee Gifford, Amy Lynn Baker, Callum Thomas McGrath, Ewan Donald McGrath, Graeme Bernard McGrath and Kaitlyn Isobel McGrath.

Most of all he was proud of his wife Jackie for putting up with him.  Through all the years, she never quit giving.

He was religious in his own way and believed in God.  At times he was very close to God and heard His voice telling of a future life and death. Things that deeply touched him he held inside.  But better than all a toast, we drink to the rank and file that hourly, daily do their best.  Success is not in the eyes of others but what you feel within yourself having survived the game of life.

A private Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held in Worcester County Memorial Park. There will be no calling hours at Henry’s request  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting family with arrangements. 

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