Samuel Gillette

Gillette, Samuel 88 June 04, 1926 June 29, 2014 Samuel Duffield Gillette, 88, of Lake Oswego, passed away peacefully June 29, 2014, at his residence after a longtime challenge with Parkinson's. Born June 4, 1926, in Hartford, Conn., his early childhood memories included numerous adventures with his brother, George, in Mystic, Conn., and Rumford, Maine. The family transplanted to Oregon in 1942 after two cross-country excursions, one through the Panama Canal en route to southern California, the other by car, coast to coast with Mike the pit bull (don't ask). During a short stint in Manhattan Beach, Sam and George attended Hollywood High School, sold the Saturday Evening Post on Hollywood Blvd. and delivered messages for Western Union. Sam often said his arrival at Ulysses S. Grant High School in Portland was a high point of his life. Through the Grant network and beyond, he met the most outstanding group of lifelong friends. He was honored to serve as student body president, not only in his year of election, but also through ensuing years of gatherings and reunions. Graduation led to service in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Upon discharge, he entered the University of Oregon and expanded his network of friends through the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at UO, Sam met and married the love of his life, Susan Ashley Ely, a Gamma Phi Beta Sorority member. They would eventually settle in the then-distant, bedroom community of Oswego Lake, where their two children, Ted and Nancy, were born. Sam was a highly respected insurance professional whose career began at Gillette Lawrence, then evolved to Rollins Burdick Hunter, Gillette and Company and USI Northwest. Sam finally retired at Elliot Powell Baden and Baker. He served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Oregon and in the greater civic community as president of the University Club of Portland, board member of Union Gospel Mission of Portland and Gales Creek Camp Foundation (for diabetic children and families) and moderator for the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ. Grandson of a congregational minister, Sam was a longtime member of the Lake Oswego United Church of Christ. Sam's servant leadership assisted Lake Oswego Kiwanis and Portland Sertoma. He was a Paul Harris participant through Portland Rotary. His life was dedicated to family. Remembering the Depression, his family's security was a driving goal achieved through dedicated energy of service and integrity to his clientele, and a deep seeded faith that was his cornerstone in times of achievement as well as adversity. Through this manner of devoted faithfulness, he did not waiver. As an avid golfer, he revered his opportunities for membership at Oswego Lake, Waverly and Astoria country clubs. Above all, he held dear the friendships and golfing memories that gave him peace, dreams of delight and a deep-hearted chuckle right up to his final days. Throughout their sunset years, Sam and Susan cherished their time and regular weekend getaways to their place in Gearhart, fondly named the "Clamshell." The beloved family bench will be their final resting place, "Where all are invited to share the gifts of love, laughter and windswept dunes as you celebrate life." Sam is survived by his son, Ted (Laura) of Salem; daughter, Nancy Melrose (Scott) of Lake Oswego; grandchildren, Kim McEathron, Alex Gillette, Matt Gillette, Todd Melrose, Sarah Stokes; and great-grandchildren, Sam Melrose (namesake), Kate and Emery Stokes. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Susan; parents, George and Faith of Lake Oswego; and brother, George Jr. of Olema, Calif. The family extends their deep appreciation to the wonderful and caring staff at The Markham House. There will be a private family graveside service; however, the family also offers a heartfelt thank you to Sam's dedicated friends and co-workers who joined him in remaining true to cherished fundamentals: faith, family and friends - with integrity. Honorary pallbearers include, Frederi c S. Young, Hon. Robert E. Jones, Stewart Whipple, Richard Ruckdeschel, Daniel Padget (Vancouver, godson), Chris and Chip Pierce and Thomas Kay. All are invited to remember Sam through a charitable gift to the Union Gospel Mission of Portland, ugmportland.org, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, galescreekcamp.org or to a favorite charity of their choice. Paraphrasing his favorite musician, "What a wonderful world (it was with him), Oh yeah!"