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Gayle Eileen Fillman
Gayle Eileen Fillman
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Gayle Fillman Obituary
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Joy Fillman
December 10, 2024
Dear Gayle, I miss you every day, but you are still and will always be in my heart and soul. As Christmas arrives, I remember all the Christmases you stayed over and helped me wrap presents and play Santa Claus - leaving carrots out front for reindeer and half eaten cookies for Santa. You were a great aunt to Cait & Jess and they will always keep you in their hearts as well. Love, Joy
Heather
December 10, 2022
I am grateful to have known Gayle and to have her friendship. She brought me through some very dark times.
Rest In Peace my friend
Heather Shafer
December 10, 2021
still missing you and holding you close in my heart
Heather Shafer
December 17, 2020
Love you and miss you Gayle. You were a rare gift to me. I’m only now understanding just how precious you were. There was so much more to learn from you and you met me right where I was in life, no judgement, just encouragement and genuine friendship. Missing you very much.
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Joy Fillman
December 15, 2020
Miss you so much, Gayle!
l to r: Doreen, Dawn, Jack, Gayle, Joy
Joy Fillman
December 11, 2019
Missing you every day, Gayle. I would give anything to hear your voice again. Love, Your Sister Joy
Jesse so proud (with help from Aunt Gayle)!
October 22, 2019
Joy, Cait & Jess summitting Mt Hoffman in Yosemite
October 22, 2019
Caitlin & Jesse (Fillman) Browne, lucky enough to spend every Thanksgiving & Christmas with Aunt Gayle & Carol.
October 22, 2019
Sensei Gayle in the early years of her Aikido life
October 22, 2019
One of the sweetest photos of Aunt Gayle & Miki Barbante
October 22, 2019
heather shafer
September 25, 2016
Still missing you Gayle. Wish you were here.
Janice Gould
August 14, 2015
Two and a half years ago I resumed studying aikido. I'd been away from the mat for a very long time; I had years to make up for. I thought of Gayle, who visited my dojo in Berkeley from time to time. We had become friends, but after some time, we lost touch. When I looked her up on the Internet, hoping to get in touch and find out how she was doing, I was instead dismayed and deeply saddened to learn of her death, five years after the fact. I know from the messages of those who loved her and studied with her, that the loss of this fine person must still feel raw at times. Gayle had a beautiful and blessed spirit. I admire so much the work she did as a sensei and as a friend to many. Though my condolences come late, they are heartfelt.
Patrick's 15 yr old daughter, Annie, with beloved MGB
Joy Fillman
May 22, 2013
Hi Gayle...I lent your MGB to Patrick Bouquet and he says it is basically you that is driving him around in it when he goes to chemotherapy appointments and needs guidance and support. So, just so you know, your presence and love is still felt.
Heather Shafer
January 12, 2013
I still think "I'll call Gayle" for guidance and reassurance when things come up in my life. Then I realize she is not with me in the physical sense but she is with me in spirit. I feel her presence. She is still guiding me and reassuring me and I am blessed to have had her in my life. I miss her so much.
Joy Fillman
December 28, 2011
Hi Gayle...still missing you with all my heart. We spent Thanksgiving with you up at your place with Carol, smothering the horses with kisses, visiting the koi pond, paying homage to one of the first yurts, looking for the bear in the apple orchard, and picking chantrelles on our walk on the old logging road through the redwoods. All the dogs ran with Bay at top speed with incredible joy, then we went back up to the house and had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and read a heartfelt poem to you written by a member of the dojo. It was a glorious day and the only thing that would have made it better was having you to talk to and laugh with. So much love...Joy, Caitlin, Jesse, & David
Maria Trevizo
November 8, 2011
Gayle was my Sensei in Aikido starting in 1982. Each day I carry the lessons she taught me, so many years ago. She became a great friend and I thank here for all the love she shined on all of us. I celebrate her life and work. She was a treasure.
Alan Holm
June 19, 2011
Gayle had more hope for me than I had for myself and instilled strength and confidence through example into my very sole so I could do the same for others. When we meet again I only hope to have her say "well done".
THOMAS WILLIAMS
April 26, 2011
GAYLE I JUST STOPED BY THE DOJO IN UKIAH AND I WAS FEELING STUPID TO NOT KNOW THAT YOU HAVE PASSED AWAY BUT I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR MEMORY OF YOU AND I STILL CAN SEE YOUR SMILE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU GAYLE SENSI ,,YHOMAS.WILLIAMS .UKIAAH.CA
Tony Chiantelli
April 4, 2011
Gayle was my Sensei as well as one of my best friends. I just recently heard of her passing in December. I only regret I didn't get the chance to see her last year because I had moved down to Southern California to attend a 4 year University two years ago. She will be in my memories and in my heart. She was there for everybody, I still think she's still there guiding all of us in memory. She will be greatly missed.
DEBORAH ALONSO
February 17, 2011
Gayle was a great person and I admire all the work she has done! She inspired my son, Marcos, when he was part of her Aikido class and I regret that he did not get one more opportunity to be able to say good-bye. I just found out about her passing (although a few months have passed) and do not know if my son will be able to handle the news of her passing! Sensei Gayle, will forever be remembered and greatly missed!!! May she rest in peace!!!
Annie Waters
February 15, 2011
Gayle,
I miss your humor, your pointed wit & your ability to help us all feel special, and in harmony with our own bodies & spirit! I thank you for the many years of love & support as I learned & enjoyed my Aikido training.
February 13, 2011
I did not know Gayle very well but through our interactions at work I could see her love for helping our youth. Our community has lost a great and inspiring person. My condolences to all her loved ones.
-April Byerly
Janet Rosen
February 9, 2011
In May of last year, I'd written a blog post about Gayle Sensei's role as my teacher. It started: "Over the past 14+ years, I’ve paid dues at five dojos. If you ask why, there was a specific reason for each change, all under the heading of “my evolving understanding of what I wanted to learn.” Only recently have I come to see that a related issue is that I was looking for a teacher and only finding instructors."
I first visited Ukiah Aikido in late 1999, when Stu and I were in the process of buying a house up here. I liked Gayle immediately. Over several years of intermittent visits, seeing her role in the community and the dojo culture she created, my respect for her grew. Having her as my teacher was one reason I so looked forward to finally moving up here for good in 2007.
She was a wonderful and gifted person, a passionate and effective teacher... she was my teacher.
With Higuchi Sensei
February 9, 2011
Gayle "at work" as at life
Janet Rosen
February 9, 2011
February 7, 2011
I had the opportunity to meet Fillman Sensei at Mateel Aikido in November 2010. I enjoyed her engaging smile and honor her years of training and teaching in Aikido. The Aikido community is lesser without her. My condolences to her family, students, and friends.
Chuck Hauk
Aikido of Eugene (Oregon)
Linda Holiday
January 23, 2011
I honor Gayle Fillman's life as a passionate teacher and a female pioneer in the art of Aikido. She and I met a few times over many years, at Aikido and women's martial arts events. The class she once taught at my dojo was vivid and memorable. Gayle impressed me as a woman of power, vision, compassion, and creativity. I respected her as a "sempai" and path-blazer. Her strong spirit surely lives on. Rest in peace, Gayle!
Tom, Amber & Destiny Hester
January 4, 2011
We are so saddened by the loss of Gayle. Word's can't even begin to describe what Gayle meant to our family. She started our daughter Destiny in Gymnastics 4 years ago (which she now Loves thanks to Gayle). She was always there to encourage and teach Destiny. Gayle was a very insightful person and was always full of kind and encouraging words, both for Destiny and the rest of our family as well. She taught our whole family SO much and we will miss her dearly. There are only a few people that you come accross over a lifetime that can touch your life as much as Gayle did for everyone that she came in contact with. We will miss you Gayle, we loved you very much.
And don't worry...Destiny will never forget to always find her center!!
Sensei Richard Kahoalii & Gayle
January 4, 2011
Gayle & Sensei Richard
January 4, 2011
Gayle Fillman, Summer, 2010
January 4, 2011
Richard Kahoalii, Sr.
January 3, 2011
My name is Richard Kahoalii, Sr. I am sadden by the demise of a friend and a devout student of Aikido, Gayle Fillman. I met Gayle in 1968 at the College of the Redwoods Police Science Academy when she was a student and I, the instructor of the "Defensive Tactics" class for the Police Science Students.
Besides being actively involved with that class, she was also a member of my Aikido Classes at the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department, the Eureka Aikido Club. She was also a participant of workshops and seminars conducted by Professor Koichi Tohei and other instructors of the Art of Aikido.
She was awarded her First Degree, Sho-Dan while a member of the Eureka Aikido club and her second Degree, Ni-Dan after she established her Dojo at Ukiah. It was my honor to bestow those well earned awards to her.
I retired from formal teaching in 1979 after being transferred from workng at the Port of Eureka to the Port of Sacramento. However, I was given the opportunity to assist Gayle at several occasions during the growing process of her Dojo.
She was one of my few students who established a Dojo after leaving Eureka (the first and only female student) , to share the benefits of the beautiful art of Aikido with the diversity of lives she touched. I have always been appreciative of her devotion to the teachings, her supportive participation in the years of activities of the Eureka Aikido Club and proud of her accomplishments at the Ukiah Dojo.
My fondest Aloha
Kathy Hawkes
December 29, 2010
Sounds like Gayle led a remarkable and rewarding life. Deepest sympathies from and old high school classmate.
Paul Rest
December 23, 2010
I met Gayle about twenty years ago. It was obvious to me at that meeting, even as a beginning, that this whirlwind of energy loved Aikido with her heart and soul. I wish her well on this next part of her journey.
Gary Kearney
December 22, 2010
Love and miss you always,my beloved sister.
Tracy McDermott
December 22, 2010
Your spirit is larger than life and is now free to help anyone anywhere. smiling at you Gayle
Holly Near
December 21, 2010
I so appreciate what Gayle brought to the community of Ukiah, especially to the young people who trained with her. I celebrate her life. Holly Near
December 20, 2010
years ago,Gayle accepted a case of wine in trade for akido classes for my daughter,Candia.After an elaborate presentation at a local pizza house,I presented her with the case,telling her that I hope she enjoyed it.She stated simply"Oh, I don't drink wine.''Years later I was fortunate enough to help wire their beautiful house.What a great view!She was a special person.
Patience Foster (Scott, Brandon)
December 19, 2010
I grew up in Gayle's studio and spent much time in her home as well. My brother took aikido from her for many years and she was a dear friend to our whole large family. I am saddened by this loss and it will be felt by many individually and by the Community as whole. She was loved and will be missed.
Annie Esposito
December 19, 2010
The community owes Gayle so much - she was there to defuse many potentially violent situations. There's some good and some bad in everyone. But Gayle was only good.
Marty Olson
December 19, 2010
To my sister Gayle:
I am so saddened by your passing. I have very fond memories of you picking me up when I was a young child and driving me around in you Opal sports car. It was always a very happy time for me when you came to visit. I was always in awe of you (and still am) because you were always happy and sought to make everyone else happy. That is one of your many gifts that will continue to be a part of this world that you helped change for the better through the life that you lived and the many people that you touched with your kindness and knowledge. Life got complicated as we grew older, but the one thing that never changed was my love for you and my family. I will look for you in all of the beautiful living things that God created, and I will take peace from those moments because I will know that my sister is thinking of me at the same time that I am thinking of her. I know that you are reunited with mom and Carl, and all of the loved ones that went before you. Give them all a big hug from me and tell them that I love them. I will always keep you in my heart and my actions as I live out my role in this world. I only hope that I can bring some happiness and peace to others as you did for so many. I love and miss you.
Your Brother,
Marty
Phyllis BinderLockhart
December 19, 2010
Gayle never hesitated to smile, acknowledge, and offer words of encouragement and praise, even to her peers. Thank you, Gayle. May we follow your example.
bobby mathews
December 18, 2010
gayle took me in and treated me like one of her own when i was a kid.she was a great person,i will never forget her.R.I.P.
Amy Wachspress
December 17, 2010
Gayle taught all of my children gymnastics and she taught my son Aikido as well. Two of my children worked for her as teaching assistants. She was a terrific mentor and role model. She also taught my daughter self-defense. One of the best teachers my children had while they were growing up. She was so compassionate for children who were struggling with challenges. I loved her smile. She was such a giving person, so generous. A huge spirit, an old spirit, a wise spirit. I will miss her so very much.
William Ray
December 17, 2010
I first became aware of Gayle when a friend Ralph Pisciotta introduced us. He had taken lessons from her evidently. When we shook hands,her touch was soft and beneficent, noticeably so and fully communicative even in that casual encounter. The next meeting was about non-violence and self-defense prior to a political action. I had been familiar with martial arts through Tai Chi. I could see by her demonstrated moves that she had direct power. She appeared to sense my appreciation. When the symposium was over, I went to say goodbye, just to express warmth. She looked at me and said, "I'll see you again." This was meaningful in its love. I was moved to happiness, since it was an expression of the same open-hearted feeling that brought me to go over. Finally I saw her at Barbara's country fest in Potter Valley, since she joined our table with her partner, and we talked as friends. I asked her if I could take a picture, which she approved me to do. She looked so much like Gertrude Stein, I felt taken out of present time for some reason. There were similarities of dignity and free consciousness. I made sure that she got a copy of that picture through Jerri-Jo Idarius, another highly evolved acquaintance, and gave a copy to Barbara, the hostess of the occasion. Thus I say goodbye to Gayle whom I will keep safe in that subtle realm that knows no death.
Cory Gates
December 17, 2010
When I was about 12, Galyle came to my parents home to get a large round of oak, for a wood working project. I took two grown men to get it up on end and roll it over, to our utter surprise Gayle positioned herself and in a single move, she dead lifted the round into her truck. We figured the round weighed about 270lbs ( we weighted a similar one). To this day that is one of the most amazing thing I have ever seen.
Kim Banks
December 17, 2010
We will all miss Gayle so much over at Ellie's. I just wish we could go back a few days to let her know how special she was to us. Gayle was always happy and always helping others.
Mary Jaques
December 17, 2010
Gayle, you are one of the most amazing woman that I have had enter my life. You have touched so many people with your genuine kindness and desire to help anyone in need. Our community has been forver touched by your devotion to the children you have helped. You will always have a special place in my families heart. We miss you.
David Cook
December 17, 2010
Perhaps close to 20 years ago Gayle worked with/coached my daughter Jenn in gymnastics. Gayle was a great teacher. She was a warm and strong presence.She also had a great sense of humor. In later years I also had the pleasure of sharing a few Big Games with her. A life well done Gayle. Thank you !!
Denise Davis Carroll
December 17, 2010
To my cousin Gayle,i'm so sad that our family has lost such a special person full of love for life and people, you were a great inspiration to so very many people,I take comfort in knowing you are in such a wonderful place now,I know you were met with open arms, warm hearts and many smiles from all of the family that passed before you,I know Grandpa especially is there by your side right now. Love you and miss you always...Love Denise (Davis)Carroll
Beverly Rohn
December 16, 2010
We loved you and all that you did for our kids in the community. Your passion for children and the way you honored each and every one as tho they were the most important person alive never failed to amaze me. you will be missed in the most profound way by all that know you. Joe and I will cherished the time you spent in our home with the boys. loving memories Bev and Joe Rohn
Deanna Rodrick-Crosby
December 16, 2010
My thoughts are with all those that lost a wonderful person in their presenents. Especially Carol. Memories are so valuable to us all and to be cherished.
Alma
December 16, 2010
Gayle was one of the most amazing and wonderful people that I know. I love her and miss her so much.
Charlene Larsen
December 16, 2010
Gayle was a special light in our community. She will always have a special place in our lives. Her spirit will live on in our community because of the many lives she touched.
Michael Davis
December 16, 2010
We love you Gayle and will miss you very much. Your light will always shine bright.
December 16, 2010
We love you Gayle and will miss you so much. Your light will always shine bright.
Love,
Michael And Annette Davis
Lou Legazpy
December 16, 2010
I had just met Gayle and saw how much the kids loved her. She will be sorely missed by the Ukiah community.
Frank Lynch
December 16, 2010
Wow....what can I say...Galye was and is a treasure.
December 16, 2010
Words can not express the grief my family feels at hearing of Gayle's passing. Gayle has been working with my 7 year old grandson William Schwarm for the past 5 months. We were so honored to be able to get to know Gayle during this time. She was an amazing woman who's passion for working troubled children like William was a gift. Our families grief is great at Gayles' loss. My heart and prayers go out to Gayles family. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. From the Powell and Schwarm Family
Andrea Barbante
December 16, 2010
To our amazing, beautiful, talented, super cool Auntie Gayle; you're in our hearts and we will miss you always. We love you! Drea, Dezire & Xavier
Michael and Annette Davis
December 16, 2010
To my dearly beloved cousin Gayle, I rejoice knowing you have once again reunified with the beloved One, the Great Ocean we all come from and return to, and are always a part of. Your spirit will never die and will always be there for us to commune with, but I will miss your physical presence forever more.
Love,
Michael and Annette
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