John L. Gilchrist

1926 - 2010

John L. Gilchrist, 84, of Palm Desert, Calif. passed away December 23, 2010 at home of respiratory failure. He was born September 22, 1926 in Grosse Point Farms, Mich. He is survived by his children, Cheryl Slattery, Palm Desert, Calif., John C. Gilchrist, Wofford Heights, Calif. and Gregory Gilchrist, Las Vegas, Nev; his grandchildren, Nick Sota, Kristen Gilchrist, Lauren Gilchrist and one great-grandchild, Lily Sota. His wife of 61 years, Gloria passed away December 9, 2010. After serving as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force in World War II he studied Industrial Design at Wayne State University. John worked in advertising as a graphic artist. He embarked on a new career, and worked as a fire fighter in Grosse Point Farms, Mich. In 1957, John and family moved to Los Angeles, Calif. as he went to work for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He was a Fire Captain the last ten years of a 33-year career with LAFD. John's hobbies were woodworking, cartooning and painting. John and Gloria moved to Palm Desert Greens, Palm Desert in 1999. There John joined the Art Club and really enjoyed his class every Thursday. By choice, there will be no funeral service. Wiefels Mortuary, Palm Springs will handle cremation and scatter his ashes at sea in Oceanside, Calif. The family wishes to thank the Visiting Nurses Assoc. for their care and compassion.