Foundation's Gifford dies at 53.

Former Bar Board of Governors member Don Gifford, a leader in Bar, Florida Bar Foundation and Hillsborough County Bar Association activities, died October 25 in Largo. He was 53.

Gifford had been diagnosed about a year ago with abdominal cancer, but he continued to work during his treatment. He went to Largo's Sun Coast Hospital on October 24. A family spokesman said the cause of death was septicemia, a form of blood poisoning.

Gifford's legal career was marked by his involvement beyond his successful practice in local and Florida Bar activities as well as pro bono efforts.

He was a graduate of the University of South Florida and received his law degree from Florida State University. He was active in alumni activities for both institutions.

Gifford was admitted to the Bar in 1970 and practiced in Daytona Beach for two years. From 1972-73 he was a law clerk for federal Middle District Judge Wm. Terrell Hodges. He then joined Shackleford, Farrior, Stallings & Evans, where he became a partner and practiced commercial litigation.

After serving as the Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section president in 1978-79, Gifford joined the association board of directors from 1981-90, including serving as the president from 1987-88.

In 1989, he was elected to the Bar Board of Governors, where he served three terms, leaving in 1995. His tenure was marked with humor and hard work. The humor came from frequent ribbing and practical jokes based on his connection with FSU and other board members' ties to the University of Florida. The hard work came with Gifford being recognized as a leader on the board. He was twice named to the Executive Committee and served on the Legislation Committee during his entire board tenure.

"There really was no more warmer or...