Douglas Alan Gifford

Douglas Alan Gifford passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026.

Doug was born to Leo and Katherine Gifford and grew up as the third of nine children in a lively family that enjoyed three and a half years in Samoa, from February 1966 until returning to the United States in June 1969.

Many of Doug's happiest memories came from those years -- swimming in streams and the ocean, exploring the island, watching Disney on Sunday evenings on the only television at the Church College of Western Samoa, and building lifelong friendships that remained important throughout his life.

Doug served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colorado. Following his mission, he married Colleen Sadler, and became the father of four children: Adam, Rebekah, Ruth, and Isaac. Throughout his life, he experienced both joy and challenges, yet remained resilient, resourceful, and deeply devoted to the values instilled in him by his mother.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Katherine Gifford; his wives, Colleen, and Sheila; and his daughter Rebekah.

He is survived by his stepson, Bill Parker, his children, Adam Gifford, Ruth Seegmiller (Bryson), and Isaac Gifford (Marissa), as well as 13 grandchildren. He's also survived by his brothers, Mike (Christine), Steve (Carla), David (Carl), Bruce, Brent (Cindy), and Kevin, (Gayle) and by his two favorite sisters, Ramona (Jari), and Melinda (Eric), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Doug was also fortunate to have three Samoan sisters: Ramona, Ainofo, and Suresa, as well as our adopted sister Amy Story.

After many years of blue-collar work, most notably ten years bleaching fabric for garments at Beehive Clothing, Doug eventually found a beloved community at Saint Joseph Villa. There he became known as the person who could fix almost anything, much like his Grandpa Corvette before him. Whether it was a television, a computer, a phone, or a problem someone was facing, Doug was always willing to help. He organized movie nights, printed menus, solved technical problems, and quietly served those around him.

During his final days when asked what he believed was the purpose of life, Doug answered simply,

 "Helping other people." 

Those who knew him best would agree that he lived exactly that way. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Saint Joseph Villa, the caregivers at Saint Marks Hospital, who served with compassion, and the many friends who touched his life and whose lives were touched by his kindness.

Funeral services will be held at McDougal Funeral Home in Taylorsville, Utah . Interment will follow at Taylorsville City Cemetery.

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