Andrew William Gifford

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(Sept. 6, 1921 – Aug. 6, 2009)

Andrew “Andy” Gifford died in his home on Thursday, Aug. 6 in Lovell. Andy was born on Sept. 6, 1921, the third child of Jesse James Gifford and Grace (Keele) Dalton, in Kane, Wyo. His family moved from Kane to Crystal Creek in 1925. Andy ranched at Crystal Creek until 2004.

Andy married Lillian Jolley on Feb. 26, 1943. From this union, five children were born.

Andy lived the life of a cowboy. He ranched, raised horses and was a stock contractor. Andy loved life and his animals. He enjoyed traveling to the rodeos and going to the National Finals Rodeo and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. He raised many good bucking horses and bulls. One of his most famous bareback horses was “Come Apart,” who was inducted in the National ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

The doors to Andy and Lillian's home were always open, and folks knew they would be welcome at any time. Andy loved his family and knew how to work hard. He had a great sense of humor and could tell great stories. He made many friends and will be remembered well.

Andy was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jesse and Grace; wife, Lillian; daughter-in-law Janet Gifford; granddaughter Melissa Hanson; grandson Jeff Bischoff; brothers Arthur Gifford and Jesse Gifford; and sisters Bertha Brems and Mabel Spears Nicholls.

Andy is survived by his sons, Dick, Dennis and Max (Judy) Gifford all of Lovell; daughters, Cheri Bischoff of Lovell and Eva Hanson of Burbank, Wash.; sister, Lois Schatz of Crystal Creek; brother, Rex (Althea) Gifford of Cascade, Mont.; and good friend Ruth Sutton of Lovell; many grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13 at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell. Interment will follow at the Lovell cemetery. Haskell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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