Ricky Lynn Gifford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 18, 2025. He was born on April 17, 1952, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Alma and Lola Gifford, both of whom preceded him in death.

Rick graduated from Firth High School in Firth, Idaho, with the class of 1970. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University. On September 27, 1975, he married his eternal companion, Anita Leonne Alvord, in the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Following their marriage, Rick and Anita moved to Alaska, where Rick began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in Anchorage. After a brief period in Montana from 1982 to 1986, the family returned to Alaska, where they made their home in Seward. Rick dedicated 17 years to serving the city of Seward in government administration from 1988 to 2005, where all four of their children graduated from Seward High School.

Rick's career in public administration continued as he moved to Kodiak and later returned to Anchorage, where he worked for the Eastern Aleutian Islands. His work frequently took him across the United States, including regular visits to Washington, D.C., where he worked with Congress to advocate for the needs of the communities he served.

Throughout his life, Rick served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, always seeking opportunities to lift and help his neighbors. His commitment to service extended beyond his professional life into every aspect of his community involvement.

After retiring in 2017, Rick and Anita embarked on numerous adventures, traveling the country in their motorhome to visit family from Oregon to New York. One of their most memorable journeys was driving the Alcan Highway and spending months exploring the western United States.

In 2019, Rick began experiencing symptoms of multiple system atrophy. In 2020, Rick and Anita relocated to Utah to be closer to family and friends. Their final years together were enriched by regular visits from children and grandchildren, filling Rick's last days with joy and peace.

Rick is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Anita Leonne Gifford; his children Sean and Beth Gifford, Jason and Erica Gifford, Jesse and Melissa Gifford, and Krystal and Daniel Brayton; 14 grandchildren: Brockton Gifford, Grace and David Wilson, Scott Brayton, Garrison Gifford, Kelsie Gifford, Hazel Brayton, Kinsley Gifford, Bria Gifford, Ben Brayton, Kendra Gifford, Annie Brayton, Cassidy Gifford, Oscar Brayton, and Ethan Brayton; and one great-grandchild, Sofia Wilson. He is also survived by his siblings Gerald Gifford, Merlin Gifford, Darlene Wenczel, Gary Gifford, Darwin Gifford, and Carol Herbst.

Rick's legacy lives on through his unwavering dedication to family, his commitment to public service, and his faithful example as a disciple of Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him

To watch the funeral service online for Ricky please click here. www.walkersanderson.com