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Lee Gilliland Obituary

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Lee Gilliland, 38, of Springfield, Ore., died of a coronary event Saturday, May 19, while on a retreat in central Oregon.

Visitation is 1:30 to 3:30 today at the Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield. Further celebration of Lee's amazing life is 3 p.m. Tuesday at Solid Rock Bible Church in Great Falls. This service will be broadcast online at www.srbcgf.org.

Lee Gilliland, 38, of Springfield, Ore., went to heaven and met his Savior Saturday, May 19, 2012, after tremendous effort was made by several courageous people to resuscitate him following an unexpected coronary event. Lee was born in Great Falls on Sept. 4, 1973, and was raised with a love for his Lord, the great outdoors, hard work and anyone he came into contact with. After graduation from C.M. Russell High School, Lee honorably served four years in the U.S. Navy (U.S.S. Shiloh), where he explored the world and met the love of his life, Carrie Hancock, and on July 15, 1995, they married in Commerce, Calif. Soon after their union, Lee brought Carrie with him back home to Montana, where he worked hard and obtained both a bachelor's degree from the University of Great Falls and an MBA from the University of Montana. Lee was a loyal employee, as he worked for several organizations in Great Falls and then recently moved his family to join the great team at Harvest House Publishing in Eugene, Ore., this past fall. Lee never wavered in his devotion as a husband, father, son and brother and has left a legacy a love that will never be forgotten.

Lee is survived by his beautiful wife Carrie; loving children Paige (10) and Logan (7); parents Hubert and Kathy; younger brother Chad and his wife Andrea; niece Alayna (9) and nephew Peyton (7); and countless friends who admired him for the tremendous, authentic man that he was.

In lieu of flowers, Carrie and the family ask that gifts of memoriam be sent to Solid Rock Bible Church (Attn: Gilliland Family), where they will be collected for college savings funds for Lee's amazing young children.

Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on May 23, 2012.
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Carrie, Paige & Logan we are so sorry to hear of Lee's sudden passing. We felt truley blessed to have know him the short time we did. You are in our thoughts.

John & Andrea Walter & family

June 22, 2012

I am so sorry for the loss of Lee. I can't imagine the grief you both are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and Lee's wife and children. God bless you.

Myra Williamson

June 7, 2012

We are so very sorry for your loss, the english language does not have a word for when a parent loses a child, nobody should ever have to go thru that pain. Peace be with you all.

Michael Hanuschewicz

June 5, 2012

Kathy and family,
We just heard the news about Lee and are so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sorrow that is felt, but know that we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
God Bless

Sherilu and Ron Davis

May 31, 2012

Sherilu Davis

May 31, 2012

I had the pleasure of attending the Solid Rock Bible Church while stationed in Great Falls and will never forget Lee's forever calm and positive attitude. I enjoyed listening to his guitar during worship and will hold on to his message. My prayers go out to his family.

Marcus

May 31, 2012

Kathy & Hube,
Our hearts and prayers go out to and your family. Life will never be the same but, we hope you can always find comfort in your memories of Lee.
Much love to you all. A big hug,
Terri & John

Terri Bede

May 30, 2012

Gilliland Family -
Lee was a great man and will be missed by his friends and coworkers at Harvest House Publishers. He often talked of his family, his love of the outdoors, his church (in Great Falls and Springfield) and his desire to serve Christ in all things. Lee was a rock solid man who was reliable, trustworthy and honest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Kreig Prior

May 30, 2012

My heart goes out to your family. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know you growing up. You will be deeply missed.
Mike, Yovanna, Brad and Holly Mullens

Holly Schott

May 30, 2012

Dear Gilliland Family,
My heart aches for all of the family at this difficult time. Lee was a very special man that touched many lives. It is hard to understand God's plan at times, but Lee is surrounded by His loving arms now. God is well pleased and proud of the work Lee did here on earth. What an awesome example of love! Hold on to those precious memories and know that you will see him again.
Many blessings, love and prayers to all.
Diane Gallik and Family.

May 30, 2012

Heartfelt condolences to your family. I rejoice with you that your loved one is heaven. But grieve with you for your physical loss. What a blessing your family has been in this community and I am sure in Oregon also.

Isaiah 40.29-31
"29 God gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Cindy Rapstad

May 29, 2012

When you have a little sister as I do, you grow up wanting to protect her. When she meet Lee I knew I didnt have to worry any more. Lee and I became pretty close. He was always honest, and you knew you could count on him. A friend of mine who knew Lee put it pretty well when he said " it would be hard, if not impossible, to find someone who had something bad to say about Lee ". No matter what kind of day he was having he would always greet you with a smile and you would never know he had a bad day unless you asked him. I will miss him always. I cant understand the pain my sister and kids are in and it breaks my heart. I know one day we will all be together again. I love you Carrie and you will get through this with the help of all the people who you and Lee have touched. Thank you all who have shown your love and support.
Lee, I miss you. Until we fish again
Butch, April, Troy and Aly....Thanks for touching our lives

Butch Hancock

May 28, 2012

My prayers are with his entire family.May The Lord grant you all peace.
Bette Jones (April's Grandmother)

May 28, 2012

Our hearts are aching for the loss of Lee. He was truly a man of God who lived his life setting examples to the rest of us on how to live as God wants us to. We are thankful to have been a part of Lees life, no matter how small. God be with all of you. Love Roxie and Larry Peterson

Roxie and Larry Peterson

May 28, 2012

Kathy and family. So sorry to hear about Lee's passing. I know he is being greeted by Jesus and some wonderful followers. I know the ache of loosing a child and my prayers go out to you! Just know he is being taken care of and is perfect. God Bless you all!
Bonnie Cartwright Terry

Bonnie Terry

May 26, 2012

Carrie, Paige, Logan, Hube, Kathy, Chad, Andrea & kids,
I am so thankful for the lifetime of memories that I have shared with your family. From riding Hot Wheels down a bumpy gravel road to high school graduations to marriage and kids, God has blessed me with lifelong friends. Lee was an amazing man, living life true to his faith. I miss him. And you have my love and prayers as you face the days ahead, clinging to the promises God has for you.
All my love,
Becky

Rebecca Ramsey

May 25, 2012

Carrie and family ,

We will always be so very grateful to you and Lee for being a part of our special day last July. We are very saddened by Lee's death and you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. What a shining example of a good christian man , loving father and husband.

Steve and Nancy Tonskemper

Stephen Tonskemper

May 25, 2012

Bubba Wilturner, Lee you will be missed more than words could explain. I love you and thank you for being allowing me to be apart of your life. See you soon, Leroy

Cory Wilturner

May 25, 2012

Oh how many hours Lee and I worked together on some special song one of us wanted to share with others....I have so many sweet memories of his tireless patience to make it "right". I will miss knowing we won't do that again this side of Heaven. Thank you, Carrie, for sharing him with all of us for these precious years. I will be praying for you to have to have strength and wisdom as you face the days in the future. Love, Angel

May 24, 2012

Carrie and Family,
Though we don't know each other very well the times I did talk to you and your lovely husband Lee, I could see what warm people you are. When I heard of Lee's passing all I could say is, "he was such a nice man", and the same comment came from others as well. I am so sorry for your loss, and I will say a special prayer for you, your children, and your family. Much love coming you way. Tammie Acosta

Tammie Acosta

May 24, 2012

We are saddened to hear of Lee's passing so unexpectantly, Thank you Lee for proudly serving your God and country in the Navy. We are blessed to have known Lee. Thanks for the memories.

The Hoovers

May 24, 2012

Carrie and family - you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Lee was a good man and I will always remember him from working at Eagle Mount and as a classmate in high school. Love to you all.

Heather Shepherd Martin

May 24, 2012

Carrie,Paige,Logan,Hub and Kathy,Chad and family and Sharon-

Our hearts are broken for each of you.
There is a hole that will always remain and a loss that can't be replaced in each of your individual and special relationships that were uniquely yours with Lee. There won't be a day that goes by that he won't cross your mind and what a blessing and comfort those memories become.
Although his time was short here on earth he certainly left his footprints on each of our hearts.
We feel especially privileged to have known Lee and will continue to hold you all up in prayer daily.
God bless you all and we love you!

Kirk and Debbie

Debbie Place-Davey

May 24, 2012

Carrie, Paige and Logan, -

I am so sad to hear of your loss. I hadn't seen Lee since High School. He has gone home to the Lord where he will forever watch over you. May you find peace and comfort in each other, in the Lord, and in the arms of your family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amanda (McBratney) McNee

May 24, 2012

I am shocked by and sorry for your loss. I only knew Lee professionally, but my daughter was a member of his high school class. I know that many class members are sadden too. Such an unfortunate loss

Warren Wenz

May 24, 2012

Takes me back to the Shiloh. Will miss the shipmate.

Mchael Brady

May 24, 2012

So, sorry to hear of this huge loss.. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you and your family.

Vicky Thomas

May 24, 2012

Carrie and family,
I was so sorry to here about Lee. My heart goes out to you all for the deep pain you must feel. What a great loss to our world but what joy there is in heaven and with our Lord Jesus to have Lee there with them. Of all the men I have known through out my life there is none I respected more then Lee. He was a model for us all. May the Lord's peace and strength be with each of you during this most difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God's rich blessing be on each of you.
Your friend in Christ Jesus,
Mike Love

mike love

May 24, 2012

Darcy Hogan

May 24, 2012

Lee Family,
Deeply saddened at the loss of such a remarkable man. Hurting for you Carrie, Paige and Logan as you prepare to continue on without this amazing man of God. Praying for Gods grace, tender mercies and peace for the days,weeks and months to come. You are loved soo much.

Lesley Stout

May 24, 2012

Carrie, I am so very sorry to hear of Lee's passing. You and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lori Munroe

May 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the Gilliland family. We are so sorry for your loss, our loss, of a great man of God.
Our prayers are with you.
Chris & Stephani Cordeiro

May 24, 2012

Dear Kathy and Family,
My heart breaks for you and your family. May God give you strength and courage in the days ahead. Memories will bind you together.

Pat Valtinson

May 24, 2012

Our prayers are with you all. Lee will always leave a legacy of what it is to be a kind, loving, and faithful man.

John & Joyce Ryan

May 23, 2012

We are so very sorry to learn of your loss of Lee. Please know that our deepest sympathies are with you and your families during this difficult time.

Jack and Monta Bell

May 23, 2012

Gilliland Family,
My heart goes out your family! Lee was always so nice to my daughter and I when we went to SRBC. I know he will be greatly missed but that God has a great job for him in heaven! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Gigi Comer and Rachael Bower

May 23, 2012

Sendings thoughts and prayers to all of you. As with others so sad to hear about lee.
Don & Donna Houghton

May 23, 2012

We were shocked to hear of Lee's passing. He was a kind man and devoted husband and father. Our prayers are with you all during this time. May you find peace. Love each other.

Alex, Kari, Hannah and Kennedy Rosenleaf

May 23, 2012

Oh, Carrie, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my prayers.
Mrs. C

Rae crowther

May 23, 2012

The Gilliland Family -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Lee was a very good person, and will truly be missed. God bless.

Grant Bebee

May 23, 2012

My heart breaks for you and the family. Angel and I send all our love and prayers your way knowing God has this in his plan for you. We love you.

Ryan and Angel Turoski

Ryan Turoski

May 23, 2012

My Sympathy and Prayers are extended to all of Lee's family..
I knew Lee from the time he was child that lived next to my oldest Son and his family-- Carrie was a room-mate to my oldest Grand-daughter (Ember) At BIOLA. And she introduced him to Carrie, while he was stationed at San Diago --
I allways admired the way he lived his life with his family and the Lord--
I beleive that Lee will be a Star in heaven--

Dolores Dalke

May 23, 2012

Carrie, Paige, and Logan my thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of sadness. Lee was an amazing guy who was a great example of what it takes to be a christian.

Weslie Langley

May 23, 2012

Carrie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been on our hearts even though we only know each other through an email and Chad & Andrea are friends of our daughter. We are praying for you as you are carried by our loving Heavenly Father through this time.

Jay & Iva Wilson

May 23, 2012

God Bless you Carrie, Page and Logan. I am praying for you all during this difficult time. May God give you strength Carrie and peace, knowing he is watching over you all in Heaven. Lee was an amazing Christian man, who lead an exemplary life as a husband and father.

Elizabeth and Jordan Hopp

May 23, 2012

Carrie, Paige, and Logan,
I am deeply sadden and my Heart hurts for his Family! Lee was the perfect example of a Husband, Father and Friend! He touched everyone around him with his gentle words of the Bible and wisdom. His smile was infectious, he was a Incredible Man of God! I think Proverbs 20:7 says it all about Lee...
This is the faithful and upright man, who is made righteous by the obedience of Christ; and walks by faith in him, and according to the truth of the Gospel; his children are blessed after him; with temporal blessings; and, walking in the same integrity as he does, they are blessed with spiritual blessings here, and eternal blessedness hereafter;
Lee will live on in memories and will never be forgotten for the gentle kind person that he was!
Many Blessings and Prayers!
Love You~ Karlene & Ty Lindquist

Karlene Lindquist

May 23, 2012

Carrie and Family,
We send out our love and prayers for all of you during this sad and difficult time. Lee lived such a great example to all who knew him. We love you Carrie, Paige, and Logan.

Wayne & Jan Langley

May 23, 2012

We know that Lee is with his Lord and Savior and for that we can rejoice. There are no words that can express our sadness over loosing him. We were blessed to be a part of Lee's life as he grew from a young child into an amazing young man. Our deepest sympathy to all of Lee's family. I pray that you can lean on God's strength and rest in is comfort. Love and prayers, Dianne and Dick

May 23, 2012

I never got to know Lee as well as I would've liked but I know he served as wonderful, mentor, counselor and friend to my husband, Jim. He will never be forgotten and we will continue to lift you up in prayer.

Jim & Stacey Humiston

May 23, 2012

Carrie, Paige, Logan and Lee's family,
My heart is heavy thinking of your loss. Lee was a great man of God. I will cherish the years that we worshiped together at Solid Rock. He was a mentor to many and led by example. We love you guys and will continue to lift you up in prayer.
All our love,
Nick, Trisha, Lilliana & Addisyn Heck

"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. " ~ Clarence Kelland

Trisha Heck

May 23, 2012

Well done thy good and faithful servant. We will miss you my friend! God Bless Carrie, Page, Logan, Hube, Kathy and Chad. Be with them thru this most difficult time.

Eric & Andy Tronson

May 23, 2012

You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Jennifer Carapia

May 23, 2012

The Gilliland Family~
I am so sorry about the passing of Lee (son, brother, husband, father). Please know in your hearts that Lee is with each and everyone of you during this difficult time. I remember Lee when I would go visit my sister Annie and her family when they lived out in the country. My God comfort you all and bring peace to your hearts. My prayers are going out to each and everyone of you. Love and hugs...just look at each sunrise and sunset and this is what Lee is sending each of you.

"Life is a journey

of sweetness and sorrow,

Of yesterday's memories

and hopes for tomorrow,

Of pathways we choose

and detours we face

With patience and humor,

courage and grace,

Of joys that we've shared

and of people we've met

Who have touched us in ways

we will never forget.

Stacie Hepner (Kerr)

May 23, 2012

Lee,
You will be deeply missed. God needed you more and you will continue your good works from Heaven. Thanks for being a great Father, Son, and friend to all who knew you. Thinking of you all at this tough time. With love and deepest sympathy.
The Barlows

Tracey, Joe & Landon Barlow

May 23, 2012

The Gilliland and Greene families,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time.

Mark Tiffany

May 23, 2012

Carrie & Family
My deepest Sympathy-- First met Lee, When he was a child and leaved next to my son's family. And when my grandaughter went to BIOLA Carrie was her room-mate and she introduced Lee to Carrie. And that started their wonderfull relationship. They lead a beautifull Christan lives. I'm sure Lee will be a Star in Heaven.

Dolores Dalke

May 23, 2012

Enjoy walking by sight friend, Thanks for being an example of walking by faith…

May 23, 2012

Our hearts are stung by the early loss of Lee. I will never forget the hours we spent talking about the Lord and singing His praises in church. Your faith,knowledge and gentle way of expressing yourself were far more mature than your years. I know the Lord welcomed you with open arms. Our prayers for strength and peace are with you Carrie, Page and Logan. Ken & Terry

Ken Thompson

May 23, 2012

God bless you, Lee, and your family in this most difficult time. Lee was a great person and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know him since our younger years. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family. Larry and Kelli Gardner

Larry Gardner

May 23, 2012

Our heartfelt condolences to Lee's family. He was a gentle person and will be remembered by all who knew him for his great attitude and loving nature. Jerry and Jeannette Frank

May 23, 2012

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