WOOSTER – On February 19, 2020 Gordon V Giffin (94 years old) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loving family members. Gordon was born on July 7, 1925 in Springfield, Ohio. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1942 and went immediately into the Navy to serve his country during World War II rom 1943-1946. Upon returning from the service, Gordon married Vivian (Vicki) Salisbury in 1947. He graduated from Ohio State University School of Pharmacy and worked for Eli Lilly as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Gordon then owned & operated Giffin Prescription Center in the north end of Wooster on Cleveland Road for 35 years.
Gordon was preceded in death by his wife (Vivian), his daughter-in-law (Cindy Grande Giffin), his son-in-law (Frank Garrity). He is survived by his sister (Harriet Phillips); close family friend (Patricia Quigley); five children and their spouses Marty Giffin, Dee Flaherty, Philip Giffin (and Karen), Vince Giffin (and Pam), and Janice Giffin; nine grandchildren and spouses Philip Flaherty (and Leah), Nora Tricco (and Ryan), Gordon Giffin, Andrea Giffin, Amy Giffin, Taylor Giffin, Lydia Giffin Hartzler, Willa Giffin , and Emmett Giffin; and four great grandchildren Thomas Tricco, Vivian Tricco, Max Flaherty, Wes Flaherty.
Gordon was a man filled with big life and humor. He talked to everyone and had no qualms about sharing many jokes and one-liners. He was a lover of jazz; his home was filled with music and laughter. He traveled to New Orleans and many other locations to enjoy jazz concerts. He loved movies, his home and garden, his friends and neighbors. He felt honored to serve his country in WWII. Gordon brought color to every interaction; he will be deeply missed.
MEMORIAL SERVICE AND BURIAL CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE..
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers that you send a donation to be used for the annual Wooster Arts and Music Fest. Donations may be made to the Wooster Rotary Foundation, c/o Greg Long, PO Box 58, Wooster, Ohio 44691 with a notation that the donation is for the Wooster Arts and Music Fest in Gordon Giffin s memory.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers the family prefers that you send a donation to be used for the annual Wooster Arts and Music Fest. Donations may be made to the Wooster Rotary Foundation, c/o Greg Long, PO Box 58, Wooster, Ohio 44691 with a notation that the donation is for the Wooster Arts and Music Fest in Gordon Giffin s memory.
Service
MEMORIAL SERVICE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Visitation
Family will greet friends following memorial service
Gordon, we truly loved you, and will never forget you. We will always remember the twinkle in your eye, and the way you brightened everyones lives. May you rest in peace!
Gordie, Will miss that big smile and one arm hugs. With Love
My sympathy to the whole family and Patti. What a wonderful person Gordon was!
I always enjoyed my visits with him. I learned so much from him. He was full
of knowledge, had lots of friends, and had a BIG heart.
Our deepest love and sympathy to all the Giffin’s and extended family. Gordon was a beautiful soul. He brought so much light and love and humor to this dear earth. He had such a gift of making life a celebration! He was a man who deeply loved and cared for his family and friends. We have lost a beautiful light but his Light will always shine in the hearts of those who Gordon touched.
Such a lovely man, would go out of his way to say Hello.
Always a smile for everyone.
We will miss him.
I loved Gordon, we shared the same birthday and he was kind to my family caring for us when he owned the Pharmacy. I would also visit him at the Wayne County Fair race track every year. My condolences to his loving family, he will be missed by so many of us!
good man always had a great since of humor great story teller
Gordon was such a wonderful man. My mom (Evie) worked for him for many years and our whole family loved Gordon and Vicki . My heart felt condolences go out to the family it was an honor to know Gordon and his family.
Doug Peterson and I were privileged to be part of the extended family of friends to attend the New Orleans Street Jazz Fest every year until we moved away from Wooster. It was a strange and wonderful little group led by patriarch Gordon, his friends Karen and Doug (my dentist), his son Vince (who remodeled our kitchen), Julia (who was a trustee at the College of Wooster, where I was vice president for academic affairs), and various other friends and family. Gordon was always the bandleader, the guy who set the pace when we ventured out to wander the streets in search of dinner, the lovable, funny, and generous presence that will always be cherished and missed. Thanks for opening your heart, your home, your family, and your friends.
Saddened to hear the news. Gordon was such a big part of my childhood. He would always talk to my sister and I about OSU, even when we were little looking up at him with big eyes on his pharmaceutical perch. When he found out we were both attending THE Ohio State University, he was ecstatic! I remember the big aquarium in the pharmacy, also. It entertained kids for years. You will be missed, GG! ❤ #GoBucks
Saddened to hear the news. Gordon was such a big part of my childhood. He would always talk to my sister and I about OSU, even when we were little looking up at him with big eyes on his pharmaceutical perch. When he found out we were both attending THE Ohio State University, he was ecstatic! I remember the big aquarium in the pharmacy, also. It entertained kids for years. You will be missed, GG! ❤ #GoBucks
What a wonderful man–full of life and one-liners. I always enjoyed it when he would stop by my office at WCH. His visits always brightened my day. My thoughts are with Patti & the family. RIP, GG!
So sorry he was a great man always treated my Grandmother and family the best!
So sorry to hear of his passing away. He was such a huge personality and so full of life and love for all. My family lived down the street from you growing up and I have many wonderful memories of both your Dad & Mom – as well as going to the Pharmacy for candy in the summer!! He will definitely be missed – But know that he leaves our hearts with such great memories. Love to you all~
Your father was the kindest man we knew. Always smiling, always a greeting, always a hug. And we certainly will miss seeing the GG license plates all over town! The world has lost a great person, and a fine example of humanity. Rest in peace Gordon, we love you…..
Gordie,Such a gentle man, with a wonderful, caring personality. I will miss those great smiles & bear hugs.May The Lord wrap you in his loving arms and give you peace. Gordie,I hope your family knows you were loved by many.
To the Giffin family,
Jinx and I had many happy hours with Gordon and Vicki. I sure miss him. He was so charitable to the community. Last year I asked Barth about some of my friends in Wooster and he mentioned that he had seen Gordon representing the World War 2 veterans in a parade in Wooster. I hope that you will have many happy memories of your father and always remember that he helped the community that he lived in.
Sincerely,
Clyde “Hap” Smith
Vince and Pam and family
Our deepest condolences to you and yours. God speed Gordon
Gary and Carol
I grew up in Wooster the oldest of 10 children; therefore, a lot of pharmacy visits. As a very shy young boy, I remember asking my father to take me to the pharmacy so I could see sweet Mr Giffin. He called me “big boy” and usually had candy to give to me. I fondly remember him as a happy and kind man who left a lifetime memory upon me. Heaven has gained what we have lost. God bless his family.
My first job. Family friend. Amazing guy. He had a big impact on my life just watching him and working for him.
My most sincere condolences to all of the Giffin family. Growing up just around the corner and the son of another OSU pharmacist, we had a lot in common. I remember constantly running between houses and playing in our yards until dark and would always feel so welcome by your Mom and Dad. Gordon still had the one liners going when I visited him in November and wanted to talk Buckeye Football and the Masters Golf Tournament. He will be deeply missed.
I have been looking for Gordon the last couple months as he has been on my mind. I see why now. I have known him all my life. He never passed by without saying hello. The closing of the pharmacy was a very sad time for me. He went over and above the normal pharmacy, at times even dropping off my scripts when I was too ill to pick up the kids and come over for it. I would see him at the fair up until several years ago and he always knew my name, knew my whole family. I am deeply sadden to hear that this great loving and kind man is no more. My thoughts, prayers and positive energy not only sent to the family but the community in general.
It was a privilege and honor to know Gordon. He was full of life and had a ready joke. How fortunate you all were to to have had him in your lives for so long.
Dad,
I miss you.
J