Con Gilmore

1941 - 2025

Charles "Con" Gilmore, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and master of tall fishing tales, passed away on April 9, 2025, at Quail Ridge Assisted Living in Pocatello, Idaho. Born on April 4,1941, in Powell, Wyoming, to Conrad Henry and Maddron "Dee" Romayne Gilmore, Con lived a life filled with laughter, adventure, and an uncanny ability to find the best fishing spots (even if he never shared their exact locations).

A proud graduate of Powell High School, Con excelled in sports before attending the University of Wyoming, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation. On August 26, 1962, he married the love of his life, Sandra Halbert, and together they had two children, Brandee and Brett, and built a life full of love, laughter, and endless fishing excursions.

In 1967, Con and Sandra moved to Pocatello, Idaho, planning to stay just one year. That plan changed the moment Con discovered Idaho's world-class Salmon fishing. The one-year stint turned into 57 years, with Con forever chasing "the big one" and claiming he nearly caught it-if only the line hadn't snapped or the net hadn't mysteriously disappeared.

Con dedicated 36 years of service to the City of Pocatello's Parks and Recreation Department, including serving as the Director until his retirement in 2003. While working for the city, he continued his education, pursuing a master's degree at Idaho State University and sharing his expertise by teaching Parks and Recreation classes. His impact on the community was profound, and his dedication was recently recognized with the naming of the Con Gilmore Courts, a pickleball facility honoring his years of work in Pocatello's Parks and Recreation. Whether he was improving public spaces or reeling in a catch, Con left a lasting mark on the place he called home.

Con's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Sandra; his children, Brandee (Brett) Hewatt and Brett (Annette) Gilmore; his grandchildren, Kealee (Kolby) Arehart, Kason Hewatt, and Hailee Collins; and his great-grandchildren, Walker, Willa, and Haiden. He also leaves behind a garage full of fishing gear, a tackle box of questionable organization, and a legacy of stories that will be told for generations.

The family is grateful for the comfort and support provided by the Quail Ridge staff and Angie, his Hospice nurse, during this difficult time.

A celebration of Con's life will be held on June 21, 2025 at Centennial Park, Pocatello, Idaho. More details will come at a later date. In honor of Con, the family encourages you to wet a line, exaggerate the size of your catch, and enjoy the great outdoors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite outdoor children's program.

Tight lines, Con. May the fish always bite, and may your net always be within reach.