partial obituary:
Seth B. Gifford, 90, of 76 Tallman Ave., who co-founded in 1932 the accounting firm of Harris and Gifford, where he worked until retiring in 1981, died Thursday at Roger Williams General Hospital after a six-week illness. He was the husband of the late Irene W. (Seamans) Gifford.
Born in Little Compton, a son of the late Frederick B. and Abbie R. (Brayton) Gifford, he lived in Cranston for 64 years.
Mr. Gifford graduated from Brown University in 1920, Phi Beta Kappa. He began his accounting career with the firm of Ernst & Ernst, and received his CPA certificate in 1928. He served on the state Accounting Board from 1948 to 1954. He was a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Rhode Island Society of CPAs and the National Association of Accountants. He was a charter member of the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island, and held a certificate to practice before the U.S. Treasury Department on tax matters.
He was a member of Beta Theta Pi, Doric Lodge 38, AF & AM, and the Grand Masonic Lodge of Rhode Island. He was a member Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, and served as church school superintendent, treasurer, secretary and a trustee. He was a member of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, serving 25 years as treasurer and president, and was a member of the Baptist Convention of Rhode Island, serving two terms as treasurer.
Mr. Gifford served on the finance committee, and as auditor of the Cranston chapter of the American Red Cross. He was a director and auditor for the Cranston District Nursing Association, and auditor for the Auburn Public Library Association for many years. He was a member of the Glocester Country Club, the Turkshead Club, the Squantum Association and the Fifth Masonic District Fun League Bowling.
He is survived by a son, a daughter, a brother and five grandchildren.