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Ralph Gilson Obituary
1931-2014
GARDINER -Ralph "Spike" Gilson, born May 20, 1931, in Gardiner, passed away on Jan. 5, 2014.
He served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956, Korea. He retired from Togus Veterans' Hospital in 1995.
His daughters, Marie Vellani and Tammy Robinson, of Gorham, and Karen Witham, of Monroe, his sister, Mary Sergent, of Winthrop, a brother, David Gilson, of Farmingdale, and eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews, survive him.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring in Gardiner.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Gilson
(-=< Ray (Mick) ‘n’ Mindy Hamilton >=-)
January 31, 2014
Dear Marie and the entire Gilson Family,
We're old, good friends of Marie from “a world more ethereal than this”… internet chat. We've both lost both parents, know this so-special loss well, and hope, through this, to offer some comfort in your grief. You already have our love and concern. And I, too, hold Spike up for his service to his country!!!
Understanding the hole left behind, regardless the inevitability or forewarning, pray this helps some wee bit...to allow...enable…the grief! So truly sorry to hear about your dad. At least now he's at peace with our Lord…definitely keepin' y'all in our prayers!
When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the loss…inconsolable…she was my mentor! I like to think that I got my character from my father, but my mind and its capacity from m'dear sainted mother!!! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity dearly close...a cherished, hard-won prize...but, in the interim, that answer lies below.
SELFISH TEARS
(I Eulogize My Beloved Mother - March, 1989)
Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!
We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!
So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!
Ray Hamilton (c) March 19, 1989
Our sincerest condolences and prayers,
(-=< Ray (Mick) ‘n’ Mindy Hamilton >=-)
January 31, 2014
Dear Marie and the entire Gilson Family,
We're old, good friends of Marie from “a world more ethereal than this”… internet chat. We've both lost both parents, know this so-special loss well, and hope, through this, to offer some comfort in your grief. You already have our love and concern. And I, too, hold Spike up for his service to his country!!!
Understanding the hole left behind, regardless the inevitability or forewarning, pray this helps some wee bit...to allow...enable…the grief! So truly sorry to hear about your dad. At least now he's at peace with our Lord…definitely keepin' y'all in our prayers!
When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the loss…inconsolable…she was my mentor! I like to think that I got my character from my father, but my mind and its capacity from m'dear sainted mother!!! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity dearly close...a cherished, hard-won prize...but, in the interim, that answer lies below.
SELFISH TEARS
(I Eulogize My Beloved Mother - March, 1989)
Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!
We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!
So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!
Ray Hamilton (c) March 19, 1989
Our sincerest condolences and prayers,
Wilma Merrill
January 16, 2014
Spike and I worked together at Togus years ago. He had an infectious grin and found pleasure in helping in any way he could. He will be sadly missed by all. My sincere condolences.
January 11, 2014
Thank you for your service.
joel welch
January 10, 2014
It was 50 years ago this year that Ralph came into the lives of my Mom, sister, brother and myself. Eventually becoming my stepfather, he was a significant and positive influence growing up. The combining of his family and ours is the basis of many, many happy childhood memories for me.
joel welch
January 10, 2014
It was 50 years ago this year that Ralph came into the lives of my Mom, sister, brother and myself. Eventually becoming my stepfather, he was a significant and positive influence growing up. The combining of his family and ours is the basis of many, many happy childhood memories for me.
January 9, 2014
Dear Denny, Expressing sorrow on the loss of your brother Spike. He was one of Larry's classmates, class of 50, as you were one of my classmates class of 53. He was a great athlete, Gardiner High School. I remember the hockey games on the banks of the Kennebec River. Spike usually was there cleaning off the rink. We had some good times growing up in Gardiner, Maine. Barb Mooers MacFarlane
brenda ward
January 9, 2014
You are all in our thoughts and prayers we are so sorry for you loss
Joyce Nelson
January 9, 2014
Spike was quite a fixture in Gardiner for years. Always with a smile on his face. Praying for the family.
tammy sarrazin
January 9, 2014
hi marie and family im so sorry for your loss but please rememeber the good times it will help in your grieving hugs to you and yours
January 9, 2014
Spike and I worked alot of years together at Togus. Plus as kids together in Gardiner. He will be missed, God bless his family Phil and Noreen Drummond
Katie Holland
January 9, 2014
I'm gonna miss him and I luv him lots. He was a wonderful man. He Will always b in my heart
Mary Ranta
January 9, 2014
Marie, Karen, Tammy: You're dad was a great man. I may not have many memories of him, but the ones I have I will hold in my heart forever. He always made me feel like family on my visits to Maine. God bless you all. Love you bunches.
January 9, 2014
He was so special to so many of us. I will miss him forever!! Love his favorite Niece. - Just for you Marie, Tammy, and Karen :)
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