In recognition of his many hours of work and commitment to kids and the community, Harry Gifford has been honored with the following: The Kiwanis International George F. Hixson award (highest honor Kiwanis bestows), Outstanding Man of the Year/Distinguished Service Award of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Service Award presented by Cerebral Palsy, and a Boy Scout camp named in his honor in Holcomb Valley, California Harry served as Student Body president at DHS. This was good training for taking the helm of Little League, Old Baldy Boy Scout Council, Claremont Kiwanis, Sun City West Kiwanis Foundation, Fallbrook Presbyterian Church, many GTE clubs, Independent Pioneers Association, and numerous others. A memorable day in Harry’s life further demonstrates his concern for others.
In February 1969 Harry took his wife Phyllis and daughter Candy for a ride in his new car to La Jolla. After parking in a lot about 50 feet above sea level, they heard hysterical screams. Approaching the steps leading to the water, they saw a teenage girl in a wet suit being repeatedly smashed into the rocks by the surf. There were about 40-50 people on the shore doing nothing. Harry ran down the stairs; went into the surf fully clothed and grabbed the girl. They were both slammed into the rocks receiving cuts on arms and legs. He eventually got her to Phyllis and Candy who pulled her out of the water. Harry simply departed minus a pair of prescription glasses and a ruined gold watch. He began a not so pleasant 100 mile ride home with salt water working on the cuts and scrapes.