The Burien area recently lost a dear, generous and funny friend recently with the passing of Scott Gifford on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Son of Patti Gifford, and sister of Christina, Scott was a longtime member of Highline Schools Foundation’s Board of Trustees, serving since 2011. He was Board President in 2013, was a longstanding member of the Finance committee, and supported various programs and committees throughout his tenure, including board development, scholarships, governance, Gold Star, and more.
Raised in the Puget Sound area, Gifford was a longtime resident of Burien, as well as an attorney specializing in estate planning and business services in his practice at Scott Gifford Law.
His commitment to Highline Public Schools extended to his work on the Capital Oversight Committee providing stewardship over the 2016 and 2022 school bonds.
He was active in the Highline Community, also serving on the board of the Burien Actors Theater (BAT), and Seattle Shakespeare in the Park.
Gifford also served as BAT’s Board president.
“He was a kind gentile soul who led us through the fire, and the loss of the Annex,” Creative Director Eric Dickman said. “He was spearheading BAT’s drive to build a 300-seat performing and visual arts center. His leadership and compassion are already deeply missed.”
“Our hearts ache to let you all know that our Funny Man Scott Gifford has passed,” reads an announcement on a memorial page. “On Monday afternoon (Oct. 30, 2023), with his mom by his side and his Aunt Carol and cousin Kim for support, Scott passed peacefully and is finally at rest after such a long and hard-fought battle with colon cancer. We will miss him more than we can express but burst with pride and joy with how he lived his life for his friends and family. Never stepping down from an opportunity to poke fun at himself or those he loved, Scott also led a life of adventure. Traveling to many countries and living his life to the fullest.”
This memorial will also be for Ed Diamond.
“While Scott was taking his final breaths, Ed Diamond fell out of his wheelchair at the family group home where he was living with Alzheimer’s. Due to his fall, he suffered a brain bleed and passed away peacefully,” family members added.
Memorial will be Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
This memorial on Sunday Dec. 10, 2023 will honor both Scott and Ed’s lives, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Normandy Park Cove.
- WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; ceremony will begin at 12 p.m..
- Meet and Mingle: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. with appetizers
- Ceremony: 12-1 p.m.
- Brunch: 1-3 p.m.
- WHERE: The Cove | 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park, WA 98166 (map below).
- RSVP: Click Here to RSVP or share a memory about Scott.
“Scott was so funny and smart and brave,” said Highline Schools Foundation Executive Director Fred Swanson, adding “we’re so grateful for all of the ways he supported and provided leadership at the Foundation. What a tremendous loss for his mom Patti and sister Christina, for his extended family, for his friends and for our communities.”
Scholarship Created
His family has chosen to create the Scott Gifford Law Fund through the Highline Schools Foundation to honor his commitment to support students of Highline Public Schools. Donations to this fund will be used exclusively on programs throughout Highline, as directed by the Gifford Family. For more info or to donate, please click here, or email info@highlineschoolsfoundation.org.
“We will miss Scott,” said former Highline Public Schools Superintendent Susan Enfield. “He was a gift to the Highline community. Sending love to Patti and his family.”
Everyone at South King Media sends their deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Scott. He was a great, giving man and is already missed!
Scott will be missed. I will miss his thoughtfulness, his judgement, and his sense of humor.
In the brief 8 seconds of life we are blessed with, Scott did well.
“Good ride Cowboy, Good ride.”