Yale Giffin

July 14, 1974 - May 10, 2018

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Obituary For Yale Giffin

Yale Sebastian Giffin, age 43, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away on May 10, 2018. He was born in Rochester, Michigan, to Shirley Alice James and Larry David Giffin. He is survived by his parents; his daughter, Kriea Giffin-Dean; his wife, Michele Elizabeth Giffin (Rotert); and his brother, Larry David Giffin Jr.

He served honorably in the United States Navy for six years.

Yale enthusiastically pursued many endeavors, too numerous to be named individually. He had a passion for costuming and performance, beginning in his teens at his local Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan. An avid, inventive maker and cosplayer, he aspired always to bring a smile to the faces of all those he encountered and entertained countless people with his antics. He was always ready to make anyone feel welcome, with a story, a drink, a bad pun, and a willingness to share of himself. Many who knew him considered him a mentor, a warrior, and a protector.

Yale is well loved and will be dearly missed.

The family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers to the Carolina Tiger Rescue, a charity close to Yale's heart. https://carolinatigerrescue.org/membership-giving/donate-now/

Services

25 May

Celebration of Life Service

01:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 01, 2020

    Wendy Leventry

    I didn't know Yale well, but I do remember his kindness. I went to an event for the first time a few summers ago where there was lots of food and everyone was eating and having a good time. Yale was sitting off by himself working on something, and I said, "Everyone is getting food now, are you going to go get something to eat?" Thinking he maybe didn't know it was food time. He said no, I have dietary restrictions (or something vague like that) and I said, yeah, I have celiac disease; I always feel weird when it's time to eat. And he immediately offered me some gluten free brownies he had with him without another word. It was very nice, and something I will always remember about him.

  • September 01, 2020

    Shirley James

    Lit a candle in memory of Yale Giffin

  • September 01, 2020

    Thomas Fascaldo

    Lit a candle in memory of Yale Giffin

  • September 01, 2020

    Shirley James

    Sent a gift in memory of Yale Giffin

  • September 01, 2020

    Shirley James

    Lit a candle in memory of Yale Giffin

  • September 01, 2020

    Paul Witt

    I am sorry for your loss. We were stationed on the Thomas S. Gates together. I remember his positive attitude onboard the ship. Respectfully, Paul Witt

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