Gilbert Gillespie

1945 - 2016

Gilbert Bryan Gillespie

St. George

Our beloved father, husband, and friend, Gil Gillespie, 70, returned to the arms of his loving Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 6, 2016 surrounded by family. He valiantly endured the devastating effects of Lewy Body dementia with an attitude of positivity and hope.

Gil was born in Wilmington, Delaware on November 12, 1945 to loving parents; Gilbert Leo and Helen Telesia Gillespie. He grew up in Fair Oaks, California and graduated from Bella Vista High School.

Gil faithfully served a 2 ½ year mission in Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved everything about Japan; the people, the culture, and most definitely the food!

Gil attended Dixie College in St.George, UT where he met and married Marjorie Thompson on June 5, 1971. They made St. George their home. They raised six children and later divorced. Gil was the proud owner of Dixie Nutrition since 1969. Owning a business was a joy for Gil. He invested many hours growing it into a thriving operation. Later in life, Gil pursued a degree from Southern Utah University where he graduated.

He dedicated much of his life serving in various positions throughout the church. Gil served as a Bishop in the Santa Clara 4th Ward and again as an area bishop. He loved all of his ward members like family. He was a diligent home teacher and enjoyed serving in the temple. Gil dedicated countless hours to the scouting organization. He was proud to serve on the National Board for the Boy Scouts of America. Because of Gil's impact with the youth he received the distinguished Silver Beaver award.

Gil was a big kid at heart! This was evident in his passion for Disneyland. It really was his "Happiest Place on Earth". He was a card carrying/annual pass holder for many years and took this privilege very seriously.

On March 12, 2011 Gil married LeAnn Terry. She brought him much joy and comfort during their time together. In combining their lives, they share eleven children and thirty-four grandchildren. Although their time together was short, Dad often talked about his love for his sweetheart and wanted her near him always.

Though his health deteriorated quickly, we, as a family, are grateful for the precious time we were given with him. We will miss his contagious sense of humor, the mischievous twinkle in his eye and the genuine love he had for his family. Life was always a little lighter with Dad around.

Gil is survived by his loving wife, LeAnn Terry Gillespie, and his six children: Jill Johnson (Sam), Jenea Gillespie, Greg Gillespie (Torrey), Jocelyn Shumway (Taylor), Janelle Wong (Maui), Garth Gillespie and twelve grandchildren. Siblings: Roseanne Mulvaney, Bill Gillespie, Ron Gillespie, Rich Gillespie and Alice Anderson. Gil was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas, his parents, Leo and Helen, and his brother, Tony.

We look forward to the day when we will be together again.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for Dr. Pendleton, the staff at The Meadows, as well as the staff at the Kolob Memory Care Unit for their expertise and loving care of Gil.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 11th from 6-8pm at Spilsbury Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12th at 11am at the LDS Stake Center located at 595 N. 2450 E. St George, with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30am. Interment will take place in the Santa Clara City Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454. Friends are invited to sign Gil's guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.