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Obituary for Howard Gill
Howard Gill, Jr. passed away peacefully Monday, January 23, 2017. God blessed us all with him by way of Howard Gill, Sr. and Olga Marie, on July 18, 1931, in San Francisco, California. His father was Scotch Irish, and his mother a first generation Italian immigrant.
He was the beloved and devoted husband of his soul mate and dream girl, Deanna Rose. God blessed them with 55 years of marital bliss together before Deanna’s passing in 2013. They are finally together again, in Gods loving eternity. He was a wonderful dad to his three sons, Howard the III, Julian Todd, and Kenneth Michael. He was also an awesome grandfather to Scott, Sean, Laycee, Cody and Desiree, and an even cooler great grandfather to Cameron and Meeya. Howard was the big brother to his dear sister Claire Marie. He was also a beloved and loyal friend to so many others whom he loved dearly. He will be sorely missed by all.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Deanna Rose, and his youngest son, Kenneth Michael.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at the Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 820 Old County Road, Brookings, Oregon. The service will be on Saturday January 28, 2017, with a Rosary beginning at 10:30, and the memorial mass starting at 11:00. There will also be a lunch reception in the church parish hall immediately following the service.
Howard was a decorated veteran of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. He deployed with the Navy during the Korean war, after which he jumped services to the Air Force. There he excelled and ultimately was placed in the elite SR-71 program. He proudly served in that program for many years until his retirement in 1970. Clearly, Howard was very patriotic and loved his country very much. He was always dismissive of our praise of his service and heroism, but was quick to heap it on his sons and their service to this great country. As such, in lieu of flowers, he would encourage all to give generously to a responsible and reputable military or veterans related charity.
Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.
