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L. Gill Obituary
1949 ~ 2020
Summarizing Zane's impact on the world is difficult, so this will serve as a small memento of the things that made up the magnificent man we will forever cherish.
Lloyd Zane Gill; Father, Husband, Brother, Papa, Uncle, Partner, Friend, Maestro, Jurist, Scholar, Traveler, Confidant, Comedian, and Curmudgeon, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 surrounded by his sons Patrick Gill, Conor Gill, Barton Gill, and his girlfriend Suzanne Capener.
We had the ultimate privilege and pleasure of loving him deeply, with all the beautiful facets of his character which we hope to reflect in our thoughts and actions. His sons, Derek Z. Gill (Silke), Patrick R. Gill (Sabrina), C. Conor Gill (Lisa), and Barton P. Gill (Megan), all loved him dearly and admired him for being an outstanding father and doting grandfather.
He had an uncanny ability to leave a lasting impression on people through his sense of humor, intelligence, and integrity.
Zane was born in Wendell, Idaho on May 21st, 1949, and from a very early age was ambitious, hardworking, and talented. He was a shoe-shine boy, newsboy, guitar teacher, and many other things before he was even 14 years old, often helping his father Walter Leonard Gill (deceased) at his job at the local dairy. By high school, he was involved in sports, student government and was a member of a very talented and locally famous rock band named "The Disciples".
Music was woven throughout every aspect of his life. He was an extremely talented guitarist and pianist with an aptitude for music that allowed him to pick up and learn virtually any instrument he touched. He was a maestro in every sense of the word. He was never without a guitar, an active music project, and could always be counted on to share his musical abilities. He was known and loved for empowering others to express themselves through music.
Brilliantly intelligent, pragmatic, and fair, Zane spent his early career as a high school German teacher. He was chosen to be a Fulbright Fellow, transferring to Germany where he taught English to German students. He later obtained his law degree from George Washington University and became an accomplished lawyer. This led to a judgeship that spanned county, city, and Federal Administrative Law, most recently serving as an Administrative Law Judge for the Mining Safety and Health Administration. A public servant by day and a rock and roller by night to the end.
Anyone wishing to honor Zane's memory is encouraged to make a memorial donation in his name to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
We love you, dad. Thank you for the legacy you have left us.
Go easy, Papa!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for L. Gill
A sue robinson
May 11, 2025
Great 1st cousin. Miss him a lot
Sabrina Gill
February 10, 2025
Miss you, Papa Zane. Love you, forever.
Rita Stone
June 5, 2021
In loving memory of my wonderful uncle. We will love you and miss you always. We used to role around in the grass Zane Rhoda Rhonda you and I. Climb up to your tree house at Grandpa & Grandma Gills and swing on their huge tree swing by the creek. I was your Nanny in 1983 Derek 12, Patrick 9, Conor 5 and Barton 3 and my son Allen 1.5 was there too Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:00pm at your house with Darla. Great memories. Mom picked me up in Lemon Grove, CA. to go to you and Judy wedding in 1994 at a black and white wedding at a mansion. Also,we saw you on April 2nd for your son Derek Gill's service. Amazing the sense of humor you had when you called mom, Betty Gill your oldest sister. and I at the Hotel. Derek service was lovely lots of people some I had never met before. A I did not knowy had a heart condition. And May You Stay Forever Young. I love you Uncle Zano.
Rita Poor-Wright Stone
Rita stone
June 5, 2021
In loving memory of my wonderful uncle. We will love you and miss you always.
a sue robinson
January 10, 2021
the person in the family photo with the yellow shirt was uncle john.. not al who was my father
sorry
a sue robinson
December 8, 2020
his name was zane and a great younger cousin
i was always so proud of him and happy we had been in touch.
Jerry Schmidt
July 29, 2020
Shocked to hear this news. I just recently met Zane and Suzanne and looked forward to getting to know them better, and now a neighbor informed me of his passing.
I'm sad not only for Suzanne and his family for their loss, but also for what I won't get to experience with an obviously remarkable man.
After two months of nightly 7:00 tributes to our first responders, our neighborhood had just wrapped them up and I had played "Lean On Me" on my guitar out on the curb. As I returned home, neighbors Suzanne and Zane walked by and Zane spotted my guitar, of course. They crossed the street and we struck up a conversation and it was sweet to see the joy of their relationship. We talked guitars briefly and I played my new "Lysol Song" for them, lampooning "the occupant" and then discussing activism and music. It was one of those conversations when you realize a strong connection, and we parted thinking we'll be getting together in the future to delve into these things more deeply and share some time together. And now that's not to be.
It's wonderful to read of a life well-lived, but heartbreaking to hear that's he's gone now. But judging from the tributes, his life and generosity of spirit will continue to inspire those lucky enough to have shared time with him.
Susie Kelly
July 21, 2020
am sorry for your loss. I got to be friends with Zane through our annual Memorial Day weekend trips. I loved listening to him play guitar also! He was truly a wonderful person! Sending love and prayers.
If there’s a rock and roll Heaven, you know they have a hell of a band!
Godspeed my friend. Rest In Peace ❤
Eric Schultz
July 20, 2020
Zane was my next door neighbor at Rocky Mountain Guitar Camp and one of the first people I met there. I have fond memories of us comparing guitar collections and can still hear the muffled sounds of him practicing at night through those thin YMCA walls. What a great guy... I'm saddened to hear of his sudden passing but also heartened that he seemed to have lived a happy and rewarding life. We all need more good examples like Zane.
Rick Spaeth
July 15, 2020
I hadn't seen Zane for over 50 yrs until I saw him at the Jerome (Idaho) High School Class of 1967 Fifty year reunion in 2017. He was as humble and interesting as ever. What a life he led!!! He was as talented and accomplished as anyone I have ever known but you would never know it by talking to him. He was a "great" listener and that made him a special person. He was more interested in hearing about others than telling people about his incredible life and accomplishments. He was a kind gentle man who got more out of his years than anyone could imagine. Even though we were at polar ends of the political spectrum we had a wonderful time reminiscing about our days at JHS Jerome, Twin Falls and the Magic Valley in the mid-late 60s. Those were the days!!! Summers seemed to last forever and life was a lot easier.
The world isn't the same when it loses people like Zane. RIP my friend - you made a difference!!!
John McWilliam
July 13, 2020
I enjoyed working with Judge Gill at the commission. He helped tremendously on implementing a new case management system. He gave a great amount of time and expertise to the project. And more importantly - he was a good friend and coworker. He always had time to help on your problems and was always in a good humor. We will all miss him.
Donna Keliikuli
July 11, 2020
Gill family Siblings
Donna Keliikuli
July 11, 2020
This picture is of uncle Zane as a boy and I am the baby with the blonde curls. In the photo is my dad, zanes oldest brother Bob, uncle Al in the yellow shirt, grandpa on the left, my mom Louise leaning into the car with grandma Robinson, grandpa Robinson and grandma in the red sweater. This is the only picture of he and I together and its a 4 generation picture that I will forever cherish.
Maura Mead Zawistowski
July 11, 2020
Losing Zane is such a tragic and tremendous loss for us all. It was a privilege to have him as a friend and a privilege to hear and watch him play his music. Zane was so bright, talented and humble...a beautiful good man who brought light, joy, and love to the room. His presence was large in a soft pleasing way. We will miss him very much.
Watching todays memorial was beautiful and so very sad. The Gill boys should be proud of themselves because the only viewer smiling today was Zane, grinning ear to ear, saying Job well done my boys, job well done.
Our hearts ache with all whose hearts are aching and we send love to help the healing begin.
Maura & Bob Zawistowski
Atomic Amy Faust
July 11, 2020
I will miss Zane and it saddens me to know hes not in this world anymore. But I am lifted by my memories...I learned so much from him...especially in the musical sense. He gave me wings to fly and gave me confidence to really belt it out from the heart. He was talented, funny and most of all, kind. Rest in musical peace my briother in song.
Donna Keliikuli
July 11, 2020
Steven Teter
July 10, 2020
Zane was my Uncle And I always enjoyed being around him. He could be Stern gave good advice, but I don't ever remember him being overbearing. When I was in grade school and visiting my grandparents after summer vacation started I found Zane's tennis rack And wondered what could I do with this that would be fun. So I was out in the backyard whacking walnuts from the walnut tree into the next city block. And right in the middle of me pulverizing those walnuts with his tennis racket. Zane shows up from college at ISU walks into the backyard and he says what are you doing with my tennis racket? You ruined my tennis racket. And I said well, I'm sorry Uncle Zane, but I was just having some fun. He looked at me and said well. It's trash now. So he grabs the tennis racket starts whacking walnuts into the next city block. I thought I was in so much trouble. And rightfully so he was a great guy very forgiving. I will miss him terribly.
Donna Keliikuli
July 10, 2020
ncle Zane was my dad s (Bob) precocious mottled brother. Closest to me in age, we were only 6 yrs apart. I admired his immense talent and his accomplishments as a teacher and a lawyer. I will miss his musicality at family gatherings. I want able to always attend but the music is such a family tradition for us all it was always the highlight of our times together. Rest high on that mountain, your work on earth is done. And oh what a legacy you leave us.
Love Donna
Linda Wiles
July 9, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Judge Gill through the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission where we both worked. He was always the cool cat that brought such great energy to all our events, especially with his musical talent. I was fortunate to see him perform at a couple of his local gigs in the Washington, DC area. It was always a great time. I am so sorry for your loss. Judge Gill will be missed by so many. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Sending prayers and good thoughts for you all.
Mark Mickelsen
July 7, 2020
Sincerest sympathy to Zane's family. There are not enough words to describe how Zane impacted Utah and the legal community. But, more importantly, he left a lasting impression on those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Thanks for your example, Zane. I will always remember your smile and your wisdom.
Jim Taylor
July 6, 2020
This is a shock!! I cant remember when I didnt know him. We grew up together in Jerome and are the same age. He was a very good friend and person.
My sincerest condolences for his family.
Paige Williamson
July 6, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear he is gone. I had the pleasure of being in his courtroom for many years. He was a great man.
Rich Patonai
July 6, 2020
et Zane and Suzanne camping a couple years ago. He played his guitar for us well into the night. Wonderful memory that will live on within me. Peace be with you all at this difficult time
Alan
July 6, 2020
Whether it be sailing or playing music with Zane it was a joy He was a talent and a wonderful friend. I will never forget watching him play lay down Sally on the beaches of the great Salt Lake after sailing all day with him. A great friend a wonderful soul! Thank you for sharing some of your life with me. Always, Alan Stoddard
Rob Parrish
July 6, 2020
What a loss. As one of his many bandmates (we played together in three different fomulations of rock bands), I can't begin to explain how much he meant to the world of music. Zane's talent was unexcelled and even though he hated it when we made him play "that Led Zeppelin" stuff, he really was able to learn and sing just about any song.
It says a lot about Zane that he worked right to the end - that's the type of work ethic he inspired in all of us. I'll miss his friendship, irreplaceable music ability, and his wise counsel about just about anything. So glad we had one last chance to play together at the JCC when we brought together several of our bandmates for one big "mega-band" gig - that memory will never leave me.
To all his family and friends, Diana and I share your deep sense of loss and can only hope we will all keep Zane in our memories forever. I know we will.
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