GENTLEMAN DENTIST LED A LIFE OF INTEGRITY
He was a ‘fulfiller of good intentions’ and an aspiring role model to all
Dr. Donald E. Gifford Born: Jan. 2, 1923, in Brockville, Ont. Died: Aug. 15, 2014, in Almonte, Ont.
As a young boy, one of my fondest memories was my father’s atypical ability to be the wise purveyor of life’s important lessons. One of his wisest maxims was his belief that in life, if you cross paths with a true gentleman, emulate him. It will take you far down the road of personal success. Dr. Donald Edward Gifford, my father-in-law, was a true gentleman.
Donald Gifford was born in Brockville and raised in Greenbush, a small rural enclave on the outskirts of the town. Working the fields of his family’s 80-acre farm, his youth was a life premised on hard work. Don’s love of the land would permeate many elements of his life. Coming of age during the Great Depression, his life mirrored that of many Canadians — days of trials, tribulations, and sacrifice. Like many members of the ‘Greatest Generation’, he used this adversity to develop a strong work ethic that would be the guiding light of his future success.
This diligent approach to life would manifest itself when Don decided that a career in dentistry would be his life’s purpose. He worked numerous jobs to put himself through dental school. With a grand smile on his face, Don often commented on his unique experience of running a fraternity house in post-Second World War Toronto. He received his DDS degree from the University of Toronto in 1949. He began practising in Ottawa, working six days a week at his Cooper Street office as he tried to develop his career. He successfully built his practice to the point where he relocated to a larger office on Metcalfe Street in 1963. He would practise here until his retirement in 1987.
Don was respected and admired in the Ottawa dental community. This was a direct result of his professional expertise and his unique ability to put his patients and friends at ease through his cordial nature, kind spirit, and sense of humour.
Moreover, he was an inspiring role model for future dentists. His daughter-in-law, Dr. Lisa Gifford, is currently carrying his torch of dentistry excellence.
During his initial years of practice, he employed a dental nurse, Joan Gillan. Smitten with the beautiful Miss Gillan, their courtship culminated in marriage in May of 1954. Their admirable 60year marriage was based on friendship, a consistent spirit, and a love of life. Together they created a legacy of love, respect, and devotion to family with five children: Brian, Heather, Janice, Shelley, and Jeffrey.
Growing up in Alta Vista, the Gifford family epitomized the lives of Canada’s baby boom generation. My wife, Janice, often recalls dancing with her father to CBC’s Don Messer’s Jubilee and always looking forward to attending an Ottawa Rough Riders game. Don and Joan Gifford instilled in their children a love of life, and a value system predicated on honesty, compassion, and mutual respect. It is wonderful to see these attributes evident in Don and Joan’s 14 grandchildren.
In his retirement years, Don took great pride in his Pakenham home along the Mississippi River. Often the site of family holiday celebrations, his gardens and flowers were impeccably manicured, resulting in beautiful spring, summer, and fall Canadian landscapes. You could not take the Greenbush boy out of the man.
In his final years, Don and I would often talk about his life story and his fondest memories. We often discussed his life legacies, however, his humility often meant it would be a short conversation. In December of 2012, as he approached his 90th birthday, I once again broached the subject. I commented that his life could be summarized concisely — he was a fulfiller of good intentions. Don’s smile of contentment made me acutely aware that, indeed, this was the foundation of his legacy.
As Don’s health began to decline, he demonstrated the grace and dignity that defined his life. His courage humbled the saints and made the angels smile. At his memorial service, it was comforting to receive messages of sympathy from his former patients. Moreover, it was inspiring to hear the attendees speak to his kindness, integrity, and love of family. Don has not left us, today, tomorrow, this year or next. Our endeavours will reflect our love and admiration for him. Thank you for the life lesson, Dr. Donald Gifford.