Richard Michael Giffen
August 6, 1953 - September 25, 2017
Richard “Dick” Giffen, passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest September 25, 2017 at the age of 64. Dick is survived by Gay, his wife of 41 years, his sons Rory (Kate), Russell (Carolin), and Thayer, his two grandchildren Madison and Jack, his mother Terry Giffen Woods, and his two brothers, Terrence and Nevil (Lisa). He was predeceased by his father, Michael Giffen and sister, Marian.
Dick was born on August 6, 1953 in the village of Roscrea, Ireland. At the age of 18 months, he was brought to the United States by his paternal grandmother, Ruth Giffen, wife of Russell Giffen. Adopted by Michael and Terry Giffen, Dick grew up in Fresno, California. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Dick attended the University of California at Berkeley and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture Economics. During his four years at Cal, Dick was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity where he met many life long friends. He also joined the Cal ski team and played JV soccer. While at UC Berkeley he met his future wife Gay Madden.
In 1976 Dick and Gay married and moved to the small farming community of Firebaugh, CA where Dick began his career as a farmer working for his father at Michael Giffen Ranch, Inc. Dick learned every aspect of farming row crops, mainly cotton and tomatoes. He learned to irrigate, drive farm equipment, be a mechanic, and eventually became the office manager. In 2003, the Michael Giffen Ranch bought a pistachio orchard in Madera, which Dick managed from his home office. This became his passion. He loved learning about the trees. Almost every afternoon he was in the orchard inspecting the pistachios, the wells, and talking with field workers and the managing foreman.
In 1986 Dick moved his growing young family to Fresno and continued commuting to the ranch. Dick was actively involved coaching Russell’s soccer and Little League baseball teams. He enjoyed attending Thayer’s soccer games, and watching him swim and play water polo. Dick was devoted to Rory’s sailing career as a spectator and participant. He drove Rory across the US to sailing events, boat in tow. During summers in Santa Cruz, Dick would often sail as Rory’s crew on Monterey Bay.
Dick was an avid reader. Every night he would spend time reading about world history, WWII, biographies, and Hawaiian history and culture. Music was another passion. He loved playing his guitar and ukulele and enjoyed a great variety of music. Dick was a devoted Giants baseball fan in both good and not so good years. He followed Cal football and always enjoyed the Cal Marching Band. Dick’s favorite travel destination was Maui, where he vacationed with his family every year. His biggest love was his family. Dick was a proud father and grandfather.
Those who knew Dick well will remember his wonderful smile, the sparkle in his eye, his soft spoken manner, and his great kindness to everyone. He will be deeply missed by his family, dear friends, and business associates.
A private family service will be held Saturday, November 4th followed by a celebration of life at the Fig Garden Swim and Racket Club from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, 4722 N Maroa Ave. Fresno, CA 93704. All family and friends are invited to attend.
Donations may be made in his memory to UCB College of Natural Resources, 101 Giannini Hall MC#3100, Berkeley, CA 94720 or the charity of your choice.