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Donald Gillingham Obituary
DONALD BRYAN GILLINGHAM
July 20, 1942 ˜ April 13, 2023
Donald Bryan Gillingham, died April 13, 2023 in Vancouver, WA. Don was born in Vancouver, WA, on July 20, 1942 to Ed and Virginia Gillingham. The first of four children, in the middle of World War II. His father was serving in the U.S. Army and was stationed overseas, as so many were back then. Little Donald cherished the letters from his father and he and his mother lived with her parents to save money until his Dad returned home from the war.
Don went to Harney Elementary, MacLaughlin Jr. High “Mac High”, and Hudson Bay High, graduating with the class of 1960. He enjoyed playing football, school dances and hanging out with friends.
Don served in the Army National Guard after high school and married his sweetheart, Diane Barker, on Dec. 1, 1961. He worked for McCall Oil, then Great Western Chemical Co. and later finishing his career at Univar, USA. Don was a hard worker and valued the relationships he built over the years through business. He was able to travel with Diane and made many lasting friendships.
Don is survived by two sons, Greg (Kelli), Scott (Cindy); one daughter, Jodie Rogers (Jay); eight grandchildren, Nick (Emily Rose), Alexis (Mitchell), Jamie, Ben, Ian (Aspen), Emily, Jake, and Jack; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers Dennis and Doug Gillingham; one sister, Diana Green; family friend, Doug Amos; several nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Don was preceded in death by the love of his life, and wife of 54 years, Diane.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held at Royal Oaks Country Club, 8917 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98662 on Sunday, May 21st at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to Stillwater Special Athletes Club, c/o Stillwater Group Homes, 904 W. 11th, Stillwater, OK 74074
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Gillingham
D. J. Crockett
May 8, 2023
I knew Don from Harney to HBHS. He was always a quiet leader with a manner that left you with the feeling after you met him that you wanted to meet him again and again. Although some might cite his work with the reunion committee, I think his true passions were his family, his community, and his Model-T. Some of my favorite memories of Don were his stories about Jodie and her work with the Special Olympics and his being adopted by D. Amos, a Choctaw special athlete. His family will miss very much as will his friends.
Shannon Shaffer
May 7, 2023
I met Don through a mutual friend on the golf course where we played for several years on a weekly basis. They say you can learn a lot about an individual after 18 holes of golf and I did. As far as Don is concerned it was all good!
Scott Maxwell
May 3, 2023
Don was a classmate and friend from high school, Class of 1960. Don ran the best class reunions (Hudson's Bay 1960). Don found everybody in that class and was sure we stayed together and met regularly. I will always be grateful for his leadership and staying in touch with my class. He was just a good guy from the beginning. He will always be remembered. Condolences to his family.
Scott Maxwell
Mark Maynard
May 3, 2023
Very sorry to hear of Dons passing . May his kids cherish all the good memories and celebrate what a great dad he was.Sending my condolences to the family.
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John Aylmer
May 3, 2023
Don was a great leader in our class (1960) and played football for the Eagles. We will all miss him.
Colleen Burch
May 2, 2023
Don was a wonderful neighbor with a kind heart and great sense of humor. I still peer out the window hoping to see him walking to the mailbox in that favorite t-shirt of his where we often met to share a story or the day´s adventures. He was most gracious as well. One day I was out weeding in the front yard and he pulled up with a big bouquet of tulips in gratitude of my assistance in securing a vaccine appointment early on in the pandemic. And shortly before he passed, the door bell rang and there was Don standing in the rain with a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. He always had a smile or laugh to share which made each day a little better. I will miss him dearly. He was a good man who graced this earth and our lives. I wish his family comfort knowing the memories you shared with him always stay close to your heart.
With caring thoughts,
Colleen Burch
Tom Tymer
May 2, 2023
I'm an old friend of Doug but remember Don when we were kids.
Best wishes to all of the Gillingham family.
Tom Tymer
Linda Harrington
April 30, 2023
To Greg, Scott, Jodie and your wonderful families...Your father expressed to me, on multiple occasions, the love he felt for all of you. You are his legacy and he could not have felt more proud of each and every one of you. He will be forever missed by those that his life touched in so many positive ways.
Sharon Dole
April 29, 2023
We will always remember. Sincerely , Bill Dole HB Class of 1960 and Sharon Dole HB Class of 1967. Rest in Peace.
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