Lawrence "Larry" Gifford was born on January 6, 1943 in Hudson, Michigan to Beatrice Wornstaff and Leo Gifford, both preceding him in death. He married Stella in 1968, and she lives on, holding many fond memories of her husband. He was a family man, always taking pride in his loved ones and their accomplishments. His daughter Michelle, (Mike), her husband Martin, and his grandsons, TJ and Brian were the joy he held closest to his heart. Often times, he would take any opportunity to do what he could, spreading his knowledge to them. He passed on the days of the CB radio, or the days on the farm with fondness. He wished to share, to equip his family with something only Larry could give - something unique. It was well known among his family that Larry would love to share more of his past and show his grandsons more of what he loved, and they still remember next time, he's going to charge him like any other customer to fix one of their TVs. He wielded the steering wheel of a car and the tools of an electronics enthusiast with equal pride and equal joy (this includes the remote control to the television and cars). If Larry wasn't making electricity flow through wires, or driving 150 miles an hour with a 400 horsepower engine at 3000 RPMs, he wasn't doing it right, and that's how he tried to tackle everything, with power, skill, and to the best of his abilities. Throughout his life, his NASA rocket he learned about and somehow managed to build by watching the Discovery Channel took him to see many sites, many places, but it finally dumped him off where he made his home, in Idaho Falls Idaho where his speed dropped to somewhere reasonable, and he couldn't stand to see weeds growing. Cursing with authority, he could often times be found yanking them up by the roots, or telling someone else how to. He didn't want those weeds coming back, after all. Neither did he want a whole batch of his favorite oatmeal chocolate chip raisin cookies to make it entirely into the oven. On December 22, 2013, Larry ran his last race in his 1968 Dodge Dart, and as a reward, he got to go and spend time with his premature Daughter and his Calico cats, telling her all about the rest of us left back on earth. He loves his family, and since he hasn't gotten a chance to spend any time with her, he has decided to do so. Unfortunately for those of us left behind, we must spend time with him in our memories now. To honor Larry's memory, please go to the nearest convenience store and purchase one Mountain Dew. It must be in the bottle - the can will not due, and consume it with fond thoughts of this man who was called Larry Gifford. He was a grandfather, friend, father, brother and husband who will be remembered, and missed. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com