Despite his humble beginnings, Bud would tell you he lived a wonderful life. He was born in Lovell, Wyoming, to Forrest Gillison and Elsa Herget Gillison. Business loss during the Great Depression brought the family to Portland, where Bud grew up, attending Hosford Elementary and Washington High School, graduating in 1950. Family circumstances forced Bud to begin working early: in a battery factory at age 12, followed by many jobs, including bowling alley pinsetter, dishwasher and golf caddie. After high school, Bud pledged Alpha Tau Omega at Oregon State, and also attended BYU, before being drafted into the Army in 1953.

Shortly after his honorable discharge, Bud's life changed in an instant, when he met Suzanne "Sue" Griffith. When Bud told Sue on their second date that he was going to marry her, Sue replied, "I knew that on our first date." They married soon after and welcomed daughter Lynn the following year. Being a new husband and father motivated Bud to provide for his family. Hard work and a series of promotions and company mergers led Bud, Sue and their growing family (now including daughters Karen and Sandra) to Davenport, Iowa, and Greensboro, North Carolina.

Bud retired in 1984 as President and COO of United Guaranty Corporation, an AIG company. Bud loved growing that business and mentoring others; until limited by age and travel restrictions brought by COVID, Bud and some of his dearest United Guaranty colleagues met annually in Arizona to golf and reminisce. Bud's work on YMCA Boards of Directors in Davenport and Greensboro helped open new facilities, improved after-school programs in those cities, and furthered Bud's life-long interest in fitness.

Bud and Sue returned to Oregon, where they settled in Lake Oswego and renewed old friendships. Early retirement did not suit Bud. Based on his love of business travel, Bud started and ran GK Travel, which led to terms on the local and national Boards of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Bud's affiliation with ASTA afforded him and Sue opportunities to travel the world. They experienced wondrous sights, cultures, food and wine, especially at their beloved place in Poipu, Hawaii. After Bud sold the travel agency, he and several associates started Oregon Business Bank, which was later purchased by Banner Bank. Bud was also involved in commercial real estate ventures.

While Bud excelled professionally, he would say his greater achievements were personal. He was a good friend; if wealth was measured in close friendships, Bud was rich. He and Sue had almost 60 happy years together, until her death almost seven years ago. Bud was incredibly proud of his daughters and his grandsons. He is survived by his sisters Joan Sinclair of Riverside CA, Sue (Hugh) West of Salt Lake City UT, Melly Holmstead of Sandy UT, his daughters Lynn Gillison and Sandy Gillison, of Portland, Karen (John) Thompson of Lake Oswego, and grandsons Sam Thompson and Will Thompson of Portland. At Bud's request, there will be no service, but donations to Doernbecher Hospital, Red Cross, or Village Baskets, c/o Lake Oswego Chamber Foundation would be welcome.

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Published by Quad-City Times on Oct. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Gillison

Sponsored by River View Cemetery Funeral Home.

6 Entries

Matt and Kris Spathas

November 11, 2021

Bud was a very special person - warm, considerate, compassionate and kind. He always showed a deep interest in others. Bud and his wife, Sue, were such wonderful friends to our parents (Gene, Elaine and Claudia) and to our entire family. In 2009 Bud (and Sue) were with our dad for his last breath. When our mom Elaine was ill last year, Bud made it a point to check in often. During those very difficult times for our family, he was so incredibly strong. I am comforted knowing all are resting in eternal peace. He will always have a special place in our hearts. With deepest sympathy to the Gillison family. Matt & Kris Spathas, San Diego

Charlotte Corelle

November 8, 2021

I was surprised and saddened last Sunday to see Bud's obituary in the Oregonian. He seemed to me the best kind of "family man" one could have as husband to Sue; Dad to Karen, Lynn and Sandy; father-in-law to John; and grandpa to Sam and Will. Thank you for sharing him with my family on many special Thanksgivings at Karen and John's home. It was always a pleasure to be in Bud's company. I remember him well and wish you comfort and healing in his absence. Charlotte

Steve Bawden

November 1, 2021

In the process of working together and handling united guarantee marketing, bud and Binc became dear friends. Bud treated us all like we were his partners

Rocky and Jeanne Mullen

October 31, 2021

That photo, it is exactly how we picture Bud (and possibly at that very location). We treasure our friendship with both Bud and Sue, our favorite dining companions. We shared so many laughs and great conversations. We cherish the memories. In recent weeks when we go to the restaurant where we so often met up with Bud the realization of loss hits anew each time. We will miss Bud; we were so lucky to have been friends with he and Sue. Hopefully the knowledge of how much much joy their family gave them will be a comfort at this time.

Leo Halloran

October 31, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the family. He was certainly a giant in the business world in Greensboro, NC, when he ran United Guaranty. May he Rest In Peace.

Nancy Ayers

October 28, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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