Mr. Gifford W. Kougher, 81, of Old Sharon Road, died on September 30, 2024, following a brief illness at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY.

He was born in Amsterdam, NY, on May 27, 1943, the son of Voorhees and Henrietta Hoyt Kougher, who predeceased him.

Gifford worked as a letter carrier in Canajoharie, NY, and as a bartender at Ernie's Bar and Grill for many years.

In 1961, he graduated from Canajoharie High School. Later, he graduated from Utica Business School and attended St. Rose.

Most of his life was spent living in the Canajoharie, with a short time spent in Utica, NY.

During the Vietnam War, he served his country in the US Army, stationed in California, where he was trained as a cook. While there, he also enjoyed playing Softball,

When he wasn't working, he enjoyed his MGA Roadster and his vintage Cadillac Eldorado, fishing, Syracuse games with his friend Brian, watching college sports, listening to the Doors, and who could forget that he was a diehard Yankee fan, and his love of his dogs JC and Jaybird.

Survivors include his sisters Margaret Kougher of Canajoharie and Henrietta Fitzpatrick of St. Johnsville, brother Virgil Kougher of Las Vegas, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and great friends Brian Hearn, David Hodge, Everett Mahr, and Rich Jerin.

The family will be having a private service at their convenience.

Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317, will handle cremation arrangements.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Gifford should do so to a Veterans Organization of their choosing.