John Rockne Gill

12/14/1931 – 09/21/2010 Rocky was born on December 14, 1931 to Oregon pioneer descendents, John and Myrtle Gill in Lebanon, Oregon. He was a happy surprise when he arrived to join his siblings, Donna and Warren, who were about 20 years his senior. They enjoyed an especially close relationship with each other throughout their respective lives. He spent many summers hunting, fishing and horse camping with his father. He had a beautiful voice and loved singing with his mother and her sister in the church choir. He attended school in Lebanon, where he met the love of his life, Jane Slocum, at the tender age of 16. At University of Oregon, he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, served as President, and made many dear lifelong friends. After graduating at the top of his class from UO Law School, he married Jane in June, 1954. They began their life together with a tour of Europe, sparking a life long love of travel and adventure. He was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and served as a JAG at Sandia Base, NM. Upon discharge, he returned to his beloved Oregon and joined Souther, Spaulding, Wyatt, Moore, and Roberts in Portland, which later became Schwabe Williamson. He specialized in energy law, became a managing partner and retired after more than 30 years with the firm. He was an active member of the University Club of Portland. An avid skier and outdoorsman, he followed his passions around the world with his lovely Jane at his side. They skied the Alps, rode horseback through Kenya, visited palaces and museums throughout India, China and Russia. He fished the rivers of South America and floated rivers all over the Northwest with family and treasured friends. Despite his worldly experiences, he remained an unpretentious man with a wry sense of humor and generous spirit. He slipped away peacefully in his Bend home surrounded by his four children, Leslie, John, Suzanne (King) and Carey (Joseph). He was preceded in death by his darling Jane but left a legacy of 10 adoring grandchildren who will miss him sorely. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2010, from 1 – 5 pm, at Rock Springs Ranch 64201 Tyler Rd., Bend, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Deschutes Land Trust or the University Club Foundation.