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DAN GILL Obituary

Dan Gill Daniel Ridge Gill, beloved of his family and friends, was born in Tacoma on November 4, 1960, and died on March 12, 2015. He attended Lowell and McCarver Elementary Schools, Jason Lee, and Stadium. He was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church. Dan spent 25 years of his life working in the family automobile business, a business he loved. He never met a stranger, and was known for his ability to make friends with everyone he met. He adored his children, and loved kids, cars, music, and Frisko Freeze. Dan gave thanks every day for his family, and never forgot a birthday or a telephone number. He considered his friends the best people in the world and would happily do anything for them. Dan has left a legacy of kindness to everyone he met. We are so grateful for the many stories we are hearing about him. Dan is survived by his parents Phyllis and Bill, his sister and brother-in-law Gretchen and Dan Plotkin, and his nieces, Abbie and Michelle, his brother John and sister-in-law Virginia, and his nephews Matt and Will, his sister Susan and brother Timothy, his children Brigette, Carson and Graham, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We will treasure his memory. At Dan's request there will be no funeral service. His ashes will be interred in the Columbarium at Christ Episcopal Church in a private family service. Dan had a special place in his heart for military families, and for people living on the streets. If you would like to remember him, please make a donation to organizations who serve them, or to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Mar. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for DAN GILL

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Peter Thurman

April 9, 2025

Dan, You were great fun, in Mr. Neese's class at Jason Lee. I was such a square, and you were just cool, with your wit, and just everything. Wish we kept in Touch; however, I went on, to Wilson. Rest in peace, man. Maybe I'll see you on the other side.

March 30, 2015

Bill and Phyllis,
Rick and I send our sincerest sympathy to you and Dan's Family. Please keep fond memories of Dan close to your hearts to help comfort you.
Francie Carr

Tom Mauermann

March 29, 2015

So sorry to hear Dan is no longer with us. My very best to the family.

Mike Day

March 25, 2015

Our family lived next door to the Gills. We grew up together. All the kids on the block were like one big family. So many shared memories. Phyllis, Bill, and family, please accept heartfelt thoughts and prayers from the Day's--Mike, Sara, Frank(Jeff), and Elizabeth(Betsy).

March 25, 2015

I knew Dan as a young man when I worked for his father at the Dealership. He always had a smile and always said "Hi Bob". My prayers and thoughts are with the "Gill Family" at this difficult time.
Bob Drinkwine - Shelton, WA.

March 24, 2015

Please accept our deepest condolences. Dan was very friendly and always had a smile and a kind word. We are so sorry for your loss.
Art and Sherry Clark

March 24, 2015

I too was a North End girl and remember many good times Hanging out with Dan and Mark during high school. His smile,& laugh, good looks and the desire to make everyone happy will be something we will all miss. Too soon to leave when there is still so much left to do... My prayers to the family. Lisa Seal Chryst

dennis geissler

March 23, 2015

Rest in peace Dan . the fishing trip we went on is a vivid memory of my younger days.

March 23, 2015

March 23, 2015

DRG
There are people that are so vibrant they color your whole life. Those few years that our lives crossed, you colored my entire existence. I'm sad that the world got a little grayer with your passing. But you've always been someone I've carried close in my heart; I will always remember our times on Island View Drive. Keep on dancing.

March 23, 2015

Our condolences to Dan's family. Dan was a good neighbor for years. We had some interesting conversations around the car business. RIP Dan
Ed and Deanna Williams

Ena B. Jones

March 21, 2015

My prayers are with the Gill family. Danny was such a nice guy. I first remember him as the paper boy in the North End. Later on ran into him at a meeting it was so nice to see him and had a nice conversation with him. The last couple of years I saw him frequently with my little brother John either at his house or driving around with him. I am sad he is gone too soon.

Ginny Moore

March 21, 2015

Ruggedly handsome, with the likes of his grandfather, Dan first introduced himself to me in his typical outgoing fashion, "Dan Gill," which included a hearty handshake and a wide grin. He had one of the biggest hearts on the planet and knew no strangers. One of his biggest assets was his incredible gift of persuasion. He could charm the birds out of a tree and sell ice to an Eskimo. And he would do it for YOUR benefit. I was glad to know him and will remember the many talks we had about some of our mutual favorites: cars, drums and music. My condolences and love to all of the Gill family. I wish you everlasting peace, Dan Gill. xo

Colleen Baine (Williams)

March 21, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the Gill family. I remember Dan from years ago when I was his neighbor and babysat for his kids. Then, as an adult, I bought my first car from him. He was always smiling and so kind.

Marianne Bichsel

March 21, 2015

I knew Dan from McCarver, Jason Lee and Stadium High School. A wonderful man. I am so sorry for the loss of such a giving person. He will be remembered for his smile and generosity. Peace be with you Dan

March 20, 2015

praying for the gill family i went to to school with dan mCcaver jason lee stadium his was always and so good looking you will be miss dan ur friend lydia thomas tacoma wa

Ed Hill

March 20, 2015

Susan sorry to hear of the passing of Dan.

March 20, 2015

Susan sorry to hear of Dan's passing.

March 20, 2015

oh, wow, daniel, i'm so sorry. i only talked to you once as an adult, so all my strongest memories of you are from when you were a boy helping me land my first boyfriend. all your enthusiasm and kindness seem to have carried over into your adult years. you were a great friend to me. god rest your soul. leslie matthis

Bev Campbell

March 20, 2015

My prayers and many thoughts are with the Gill family.

Jean Flynn

March 20, 2015

My thoughts and prayers to the Gill family. You are so blessed to have been in the front row of Dan's life. As you already know, he shined his light on so many of us for many years and in so many ways. I especially loved his laugh, smile, compassion and passion that he never hesitated to share with everyone around him. We spent a lot of time together prior to becoming parents and time with Dan was never a dull moment. I have him to thank for my backhand, love of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock and many nights of sore feet from dancing! Love to you always my friend!

Dan at a car event - always loved to dress nice and boy was he handsome!

March 20, 2015

Nicole Luchini-McClintic

March 19, 2015

Sending my condolences to the Gill Family. Dan was a wonderful person and a best friend to Mark. I will never forget all the great times our family spent with him. So outgoing and wanted to see everyone have fun and be happy. I'm very sorry for your loss and wish all of you comfort and love during this time♡

Kirk Ball

March 19, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We will miss our dear friend and the many conversations we shared.
Kirk and Diane Ball

Jeanne Hopkins

March 19, 2015

Good bye, my dear friend Danny, you left too soon. I will always remember your intelligence, your caring, and always willing to help. Those beautiful blue eyes. Jeanne

Susan Hunt

March 19, 2015

I met Dan in the Stadium High School Band and respected him as a talented percussionist. Dan seemed like a serious musician; of course, I couldn't see any of the percussion section's shenanigans because I was a clarinetist. I remember how Dan, who was an upper-classman, made me feel good (like others have said, as if I were the only person in the room) when he acknowledged me and would say, "Hi." Even after all these years I still remember how that made me feel. What a sweet and cool guy to say hi to a freshman! I have learned from reading stories about Dan, that this was Dan's way. My heart goes out to Dan's family. May you feel peace and joy knowing what a great person Dan was and how he will continue to inspire. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Jeff Curry

March 19, 2015

Sending my love and prayers to the Gill family.

Squirrel

March 19, 2015

Dan, you and I had many good chats about life, human observations, and dreams. I take comfort that you are in a place full of love, absent of emotional and physical pain.

Tammy Colglazier

March 19, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear about Dan; I have fond memories of "Sue's little brother." My prayers are with all of Dan's family--such a loss.

Kevin Glackin-Coley

March 19, 2015

My prayers go out to the Gill family.

sharon newman

March 18, 2015

Danny was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Love and prayers for his family at this difficult time.

Lupe Caro

March 18, 2015

I met Dan when both of us attended Jason Lee. My fondest memory of Dan was his demeanor...I thought o.k., this guy is longed to be a successful business man because the manner in which he carried himself but, mostly because he was easily likable. We shared secrets and Dan was accepting of all "classes". God opened his arms for an Angel. Bless you my friend~ Peace to your family.

David Grisaffi

March 18, 2015

To you as parent and the children of dan......my heart goes out to you ....being a G street family...... I will miss him...I have missed him for years.....loved him

Don and Jody Snyder

March 18, 2015

We send our love and prayers to all of the Gill family. We are so sorry to hear this news. God bless you and keep you close.

Ruth Yamashita

March 18, 2015

I have so many and such fond memories of Dan. We went to McCarver, Jason Lee and Stadium together. I remember he loved music...Jackson Brown, jazz...and was always such a rebel and unique. We had many "deep" discussions about the meaning of life and just how to have fun!! Lots of fun!! I saw Dan a couple of years ago and we had a good time reminiscing!! I am so sad to hear you've moved on!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! Much love, Ruth

Rick Cvitanich

March 18, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to the Gill family.

Betsy O'Farrell

March 18, 2015

I remember Dan from McCarver School days and later at Stadium. We knew him as Susan's cute younger brother! I will always remember his smile and great wit.
My deepest sympathies to all the Gill's.

Joanne Delano

March 18, 2015

So sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. Another angel went home.

Pat Rush

March 18, 2015

Bill and I are so sad to hear of Dan's death. Our prayers are with you at this time.

March 18, 2015

Dan was a very special person. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He new the history of TACOMA, the people from every neighborhood,fun antecdotes about their lives, in a kind way.Dan I will miss you. anne k wallerich

Michelle Millett

March 18, 2015

I went to McCarver, Jason Lee and Stadium with Dan. Great memories of an awesome friend. I remember him fondly. Love and peace to Dan and the Gill family.

Jeff Graham

March 18, 2015

Dance like no one is watching in Heaven Buddy!
Will miss your smile;-(

Sandra Tryfon-Ciarochi

March 18, 2015

Prayers to your family. So sad to hear this.

Graham Gill

March 18, 2015

My father was the biggest brightest shining star I ever met. He loved people and genuinely cared about their well being. And he always made each person he spoke with feel like they were the only person in the room.

I Love You Dad!!
Graham

Peter Ceccarelli

March 18, 2015

Dan was a great guy with a huge heart. He like all of us had his challenges, but those in no way detracted from his sincerity and authentic self. My prayers to his family during what is a difficult time. Got bless you Dan Gill. You will always be remembered by many.

Les Merz

March 18, 2015

Dear Gretchen,

Very sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Jim Ferguson

March 18, 2015

My prayers to Dan's family, a sad day for those of us that knew him.

Lonnie Brown

March 18, 2015

My heart goes out to the family. My heart is saddened today by reading the loss of Dan. Years ago at the dealership Dan was there for me and my family. Our credit was horrible, but he made things work for us. I will always remember him for going the extra mile. Love in Christ, Pastor Lonnie Brown

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