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William B. "Bill" Gillespie
William B. "Bill" Gillespie
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William Gillespie Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Mason
April 18, 2021
When I remembe the great time we had together, It male me smile, and I will always be greatful to have been his friend. I wll always remember him as a generous and loving person, and never asked of anyone but your friend ship in return.
Jeana Fox
April 18, 2020
I welcome that chance to share a moment remembering Bill. Reading my first note, I can only say AMEN!. He was a good guy and a fabulous neighbor. We were lucky to have him in our lives.
Michele Reed
May 20, 2013
Bill was my neighbor back when I was growing up. He always had time for us kids!! He was a great man and will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity.
Jeana Fox
May 4, 2013
Bill was the best neighbor a family could have...he was so generous with his time and care to my three sons (Toby, Travis, Tyler Veit) and of course he sometimes even took in my wandering Labrador, Java. Bill helped fashion wooden ornaments for the Sunday School class I was teaching, gave my sons so many hand-carved toys and even gave me advice on my lawnmower. Yes, I bought a John Deere. We will forever be thankful for this dear man. I am guilty of losing contact after leaving the neighborhood, but I hope he knows he was always in our hearts. Thank you, Bill.
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Leigh Clark
May 3, 2013
I was Mr. Bill's next door neighbor for 5 years before moving out of state. He was the best neighbor you could possibly ask for. His brother-in-law Dick lived across the street. We had no idea how blessed we would be to live next to these dear men. Bill was a staple in the community and always so kind to all the children in the neighborhood and any that visited. People always pulled their boats up to his dock thinking it was a park or would pull in his long driveway thinking it was a motel. We always got a good laugh out of that. Mr. Bill you will be truly missed and I pray you rest in peace and are united with your wonderful family. God Bless
Tina Mason Henderson
May 1, 2013
Bill Gillespie was an incredibly kind hearted, generous, thoughtful person! I am fortunate to be able to have called him my Godfather. We will treasure the wooden toys that he made for my kids - he was so talented! Although I didn't get to see him that much, he never forgot my Birthday...that meant alot! He was a wonderful man and he will be missed!
April 29, 2013
I met Bill some 46 years ago at the SkiDoo dealership, and we bonded immediately. Bill became very close to my family, and gave us the honor of being my daughters Godfather.
Through all the years Bill never missed sending Tina a birthday or Christmas card.
When I was in flux with my marriage, Ellengene opened her home to me, and gave a room to stay in, and insisted I dine with Bill and her each night.
Shortly after I found my own place, Ellengene would often ask me to dinner, and made me feel like member of the family. I will ever remember the warm conversations, and the enjoyment of being so looked after.
As the years went on, I would often ask Bill to join Katherine, Ryan and me for dinner, but he said he was not up to it physically, but would keep in touch.
Bill was a dear friend, and the most loving man I have ever known, I am deeply saddened by his passing.
I will see you again old friend.
Bill Mason
Don Brinda
April 28, 2013
I started employment with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office as a Bailiff in June 1968. At that time I was trained by Bill's brother-in-law Dick Anderson. Several years later I was reassigned to the Crime Lab and was trained by Sgt William Gillespie. Bill was a great mentor and became a good friend. Since Bill retired I kept in touch with him. On one of those occasions, Bill gave me a hand carved police vehicle of which I proudly display in my Arizona home. It brings great sadness to see of Bill's passing. My heartfelt condolences to Bill's family. Thanks Bill for all you did for me in my professional career.
william gillespie
April 28, 2013
Bill will always be our hearts. We will miss his quick witt, and easy smile . Russ and debbie hansley
April 25, 2013
One day Bill walked into my office. He had built a truck that had a sign on the side that said Concept Landscaping. The truck was a duplicate of one of our plow trucks. I told Bill I will treasure this forever. Thankyou. Bill's truck has been displayed in our window since that day. It will always be in our window.
Jim Smith, Concept Landscaping
Trevor Woytcke
April 25, 2013
Bill, you will be greatly missed. You did so much for the Mound Westonka area. The neighbor kids and I loved visiting with you and listening to all your stories. I don't know what I'm going to do in the summer when I'm bored and don't have you around to visit. But you made my life 100% better. Love you Bill!
Betty Lansing
April 25, 2013
It was always a wave and smile when he was out walking with his tall stick. I talked to him last fall after not seeing him for a long time. What a kind guy to Mound folks.
Bonnie and Ken Peterson
April 24, 2013
Bill was always a gentleman and kind. Whenever we returned to visit Mound we would try to have lunch together. I remember a Minnesota visit when I had my grandson Scott along when we lunched. Bill brought a car he had made for Scott. Scott still remembers Bill with gracious thoughts and shares our sadness with his passing. Bill was a true friend and his memory will be cherished. Thank you friend.
Janet Hanson
April 24, 2013
Bill was a very special person to me. He made a wooden bakery truck when my my first husband and I bought the bakery in Waconia in 1980. He was an active member of the Minnetrista Crime fund since it's inception. I worked with him on the Crime Fund and looked forward to all his help and knowledge.
He walked every morning that he could and would wave as you drove by. I'll miss him.
Fawn Gage
April 24, 2013
Bill was such a very important part of our neighborhood and my daughters lives. It will be so sad that we cant go to the workshop to vist with "Mr. Bill". He will missed greatly by our family.
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200 W 3rd St, Chaska, MN 55318
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