Larry Gilfillian Obituary

Anchorage resident Larry James Gilfillan, 63, died peacefully Dec. 1, 2008 at home in Anchorage after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
A service will be at noon Monday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 12310 Lorraine St.
Larry was born Feb. 6, 1945, in Eaton Rapids, Mich., and raised in Fife Lake, Mich., where he was brought up by wonderful parents Elizabeth and John Gilfillan. He graduated from high school in 1963. He became a resident of Anchorage in the 1970s. Larry was the owner of Arctic Chain Plumbing and Heating Inc. for 30 years, and was a proud member of the NRA.
Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting and reloading.
His family wrote, "He loved the outdoors, weekend trips to the cabin, fishing out of Prince William Sound or floating the Kenai River with his 'Kenai Queen.' It was always the more the merrier.
"Larry lived a full life with lots of adventures. He was a strong, brave man, a great story teller, a fantastic cook, and a loyal friend, father and husband."
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Beverly Gilfillan; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Katrina Gilfillan and Jeff and Kelly Gilfillan; daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Scott Magnuson; step-sons, Wade Wilmink and Stan Gould; step-son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Gina Wilmink; grandchildren, Casey, Jennifer, Jeffery and Sarah Gilfillan, Krystina and Corey Magnuson, Weston, Caleb, Garrin, Aaron, Amber and April Wilmink and Dana Copeland; great-grandson, Braden; step-sisters, Maria Wallington and Sue Wallington; step-brother, Dale Wallington; previous wives, Cheryl and Donna; and dogs, Bessie Boop and Abby.
He was preceded in death by his step-father, Dale Wallington.
Memorial donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston 77210 or to Providence Hospice, 3435 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage 99507.
Burial will take place in Fife Lake, Mich., in the spring, next to his beloved parents.
Online condolences may be made at alaskafuneralhomes.net.
Arrangements are with Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Gilfillian

10 Entries

My thoughts are with you all

December 10, 2008

This is a native prayer that may provide comfort to all the family.

Do not stand at my grave to weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am the four winds that gently blow,
I am the diamond glints on fresh fallen snow …

I am the sun on golden ripened grains,
I am the warmth of gentle autumn rains.

When you awaken in morning's light
I am the haze through the sun …
… not long ago, seemed oh so bright.

When by evening, sounds fall to a hush
I am the strong, uplifting rush
As Eagles raised wings take pleasure in flight.
Do not tell me goodbye, don’t dare say goodnight!

I am the bright northern stars that shine above
And I will take watch over all that I love …

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

I am saddened by your loss, touched by Larry's courageous battle, and inspired by Bev's love, strength & dedication.

Jasper W. Wethington

December 10, 2008

Thanks for your sage advice, mentorship and always being there. You will be missed, by the entire Wethington family. Michelle, Preston, Trinity and especially me.

FRED WITZLEBEN

December 8, 2008

Peg and I are saddened to learn of Larry's passing. We would have been at the services if we had been in Alaska. Larry was a unique businessman and it was my honor to have known him and worked with him for almost 30 years. I will miss talking with him, as we so often did in the past.
Fred and Peg Witzleben

Heather Billsborough

December 8, 2008

Larry was such an awesome father in law. Always there with the best advice and the most positive outlook on any situation! He will sorely be missed and be loved by my children and myself! We love you Larry and will miss you dearly!
Love,
Heather

Allen & Donna Pugh

December 6, 2008

We are so sorry to hear about Larry. He was a great friend of ours. I think back about the times we went fishing with you two and all the fun we had. He will be missed by many. Allen & Donna

kelly Gilfillan

December 6, 2008

there is never going to be someone like him. a heart of gold he is going to be missed by all who knew him friends and family. he was there if you needed some one to talk to his family will miss him but will have him in are hearts always.

Jennifer Gilfillan

December 5, 2008

My grandpa loved everyone and never looked down on people!i will always have a spot in my heart for him and all the love he gave to me and my family. He will always be a fighter in my eyes.

Luther Paine

December 5, 2008

It was always fun to see Larry as well as Bev and the boys. I have very fond memories of all of you, Larry was a real champion and I remember him warmly. My love to each of you at this time. Lu Paine

Phylis Cotterman

December 5, 2008

My condolences to the family. After getting to know Larry while I worked with him and the crew at Arctic Chain Plumbing and Heating. I enjoyed my time there and getting to know him and Jeff. I know my life has been enriched since knowing him. I know he will be missed but his love and memory will last a life time.

Nancy Wilminnk

December 5, 2008

It was a privelege to know Larry. He not only welcomed you into his home but also his heart. He will be sorely missed by all his loved ones but especially by Bev who was there for him every step of the way during his long battle.

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