Michael D. Gill 11/17/10

Story last updated at 6:10 PM on Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Michael D. Gill

June 8, 1916-Nov. 10, 2010

Homer resident Michael D. Gill, 94. died Nov. 10, 2010, of natural causes. He was surrounded by family who loved him dearly.

Michael D. Gill

Michael was born in Fort Collins, Colo., on June 8, 1916, to Michael James Gill and Anne Belle (Hargaden) Gill. Michael's father was a farmer who died unexpectedly when Michael was 3 . Michael and his mother went to live with his aunt Mary Agnes (Hargaden) and uncle John Smith in Denver. The Smiths' daughter, Marie, and Michael developed a very close sibling bond. With uncle John's help, Michael attended St. Elizabeth Grade School, Cathedral High School and went on to the University of Denver where he received a bachelor of science in electrical engineering degree in 1941. He interviewed at Boeing a few weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Michael loved his country dearly and went to enlist in the Army, but was turned away because of his education. He went to work for Boeing in January of 1942, designing the electrical schematics for the bomber that ended World War II. He worked for Boeing for more than 39 years.

In 1943, he met Donna Krull and in 1944, they were married. They both wanted a family, and God blessed them with eight lovely children. Michael loved to build things and remodel the homes that they lived in. If he didn't know how to do something he would take a class or attend a seminar in order to learn about it. He was active in Boy Scouts with his sons, served as a Neighborhood Commissioner for several years, active in Kiwanis Club in Washington state. He also enjoyed attending the Full Gospel Business men's fellowship meetings. Michael was a praying man, always praying for people he thought needed it. Most importantly, he was always there for his children and grandchildren, taking great interest in their lives and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

He is survived by his eight children; Maryann Lyda of Homer; M. David Gill and wife Penny of Federal Way, Wash.; John P. Gill and wife Andrea of Alfred, N.Y.; Tom H. Gill and wife Sherrie of Shelton, Wash.; James C. Gill and wife Susan of Yukon, Okla.; Steven D Gill and wife Debra of Maple Valley, Wash.; Jerry F. Gill and wife Ethel of Friend, Neb.; Sue Ann Gillham and husband Jerry of Prineville, Ore.; 25 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Donna (Krull) Gill; father, Michael James Gill; mother, Anne Belle (Hargaden) Gill; cousin, Marie C. Smith; a still-born boy, Andrew; and his eldest grandson, Michael Lynn Lyda.

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