Edwin Charles Gilligan

Edwin Charles Gilligan, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 15, 2005 after a ten year struggle with Alzheimer's. He was born on Aug. 13, 1930 in Carson, Iowa.

After graduating from Carson High School in 1949, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served during the Korean Conflict. In 1957, he moved to Southern California and worked as a field adjuster for Allstate Insurance. His family relocated to Oroville in 1974 and he went to work for Butte County Public Works. He retired from there in 1992.

After retirement, Eddie did a lot of traveling, rock collecting during his travels and loved to dance. He also enjoyed restoring classic cars and was president of the Model A Ford Club. Eddie attended the Nazarene church and enjoyed singing in the choir. He is now singing in the heavenly choir. He was loved by children of all ages. His sense of humor and love of life brought smiles and laughter to all those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Loma; daughter, Gail and son-in-law, Jim; daughter, Nancy and son-in-law, Michael; daughter-in-law, Virginia; brother, Richard and sisters, Mavis and Madonna, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two sons, James Edwin and Dell Charles.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson St. in Oroville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Ramsey Funeral Home who are handling the arrangements.