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On Sunday July 31, 2022, at about 12:00 PM, Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers and emergency personnel responded to motorcycle crash on Highway 223 near Pedee. Preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda Goldwing motorcycle operated by, Benjamin Gifford, age 72, from Stayton, was northbound near milepost 17 negotiating a curve and left the roadway for unknown reasons. Gifford was ejected from the motorcycle. Gifford was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. Highway 223 was closed for 3 ½ hours. OSP was assisted by ODOT, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire.
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Becky Schick (Tooley)
I'm so sorry to hear about Ben's death. He was our paperboy for years and lived not too far away. I lost track of him in Jr. High and High School, but won't forget his smile and positive spirit. By the way, I don't like the above description because it makes it sound like he ran off a curve on purpose...
Robert Curtis
???? it's basically a police report - not sure how you came to that interpretation. Obviously no witnesses to what actually happened. Could be a rock in the road, swerved to miss an animal, another car in his lane (that didn't stop) etc. Most likely he was just enjoying the summer day riding in the country. Talked to Tom Thornton (retired OSP motorcyles) - still rides his Harley frequently "long distance" i.e professional / expert. He had ridden with Ben many times and described him as a very conservative "rider" - not a "hot dog". The Honda "Goldwing" is a very nice (expensive) touring bike.Tom describes that stretch of road between Dallas and Philomath as very "scenic" but narrow with not much shoulder, i.e. not much room for error. I too did not really know Ben - but remember him as a good guitar player. In the 9th grade , at Judson, he played in a band - the "Bally Hoo" with Bruce Schieno, Dave Hummel, Carl Holm, Dave Potter, and Gary Johnson. I thought they were good - but broke up in the fall of our sophomore year. Tom said that Ben went to Vietnam after high school and was a medic in the Army. Later he became a Chiropracter - practicing in Salem. Sorry to hear of another classmate passing.
Rick Crawford
I was sorry to hear about Ben's accident. We weren't best friends, but I'd known him since middle school. One memory I have of him was at a dance down at the Y one night. He started doing the "Freddy" which was a fairly new and somewhat popular dance at the time. Ben was the first person to break out and start doing it at the dance, and I remember Bruce Schieno asking him when he was going to "take off." Funny the things you remember about people, no matter the length of time that has passed. It was obvious to me that Ben was doing something he loved; riding a motorcyle. I'm really sad that he was alone when he died. From a fellow veteran; Rest in peace, brother.
Becky Schick (Tooley)
I'm not sure what you mean because we're on the same side. I know Ben was a very careful driver.I certainly didn't mean to imply otherwise.
Robert Curtis
Becky.....not picking on you! Article says "left the roadway for unknown reasons". Not sure how you came to your conclusion = " article implying - did on purpose". I think crashing intentionally would NOT be the case - as he obviously loved riding! Anyway - no biggy. Some more trivia.....In September of 1966 - the first month of our sophomore year, Meri Green (classmate) put together / organized a "Battle of the Bands" in the Leslie auditorium. I think it was 25 cents to get in. The bands were..... Ben's band from Judson = "The Bally Hoo" and from Leslie "Little John and the Merrymen". They both played 3 songs and it was awesome, It was at lunchtime for some kind of fund raising? It was pretty encouraging for me as I love music. We're going to have Bob Hunters' band the "Jades" and these other two to listen to in HS!. I thought all 3 were good - especially how young everyone was. Shortly after - "The Bally Hoo" played in East Balcony after one of the football games. Then "poof" they were gone - broke up. Always puzzled me.
Pam Cooley (Newberry)
It saddens me every time I receive "In Memory" notices.Benjie had a quirky dry wit and although we were not necessarily good friends, we shared a lot of slightly caustic banter during high school. Makes me smile when I think back to those crazy high school years when we all just wanted to be liked, to hopefully "fit in".
Rest in Peace, Benjie
Andy Hardwick
Ben was not only a friend but my chiropractor. He was very good at what he did and loved his work as much as he did riding. While I will miss him I can't help but be envious of his making a quick exit from life.
I am sure it was an accident. I have ridden many miles in my life and know that there are times when I got distracted, just for a second, and found myself headed off the road or trail. I have been fortunate to have saved myself so far from each potentially fatal mistake. Ben must have not been able to correct in time. There but for the grace of God, go I. The world is a lesser place when we lose a kind soul like him.