Howard Gill Obituary

Howard J. Gill Investment Broker Howard J. Gill, a former Vice President at Morgan Stanley in Visalia, died early Friday, November 30, 2012, at age 78 from Leukemia. After growing up in San Luis Obispo as the youngest of 5 kids, Howard graduated from Cal Poly, SLO as a Distinguished Military graduate. He then served his country in the Army for 21 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished service included two tours in Vietnam, and three tours in Germany including command of the 557th artillery group. He also served as a Nuclear Weapons Advisor and as Deputy Chief of Staff Operations in the Pentagon. His military honors include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, and Army General Staff Badge. After retiring from the military, Howard moved to Visalia in 1981 with his wife Denise and children Ted and Liz and began work as an Investment Advisor at Dean Witter. He retired as a Vice President at Morgan Stanley in 2004. Born in 1933 in San Luis Obispo, to Edelfrida Edwina Childs and John Henry Gill. Howard is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Eric) Hill; son, Ted (Loriann) Gill; two grandchildren, Olivia and Ines Hill; and his beloved companion Mary Long. Howard relished achieving the rank of "Grandpa". He enjoyed golfing with his group of buddies at the Visalia Country Club, and made a hole-in-one on hole 16. He also organized and led many fishing and golfing trips during retirement. Howard enjoyed skiing with his kids well into his 70s. He was an avid reader and wrote passionately about politics and current events in several published letters to the editor of the Visalia Times Delta. Howard was a wonderful storyteller, enjoyed playing practical jokes, and had a knack for finding humor and the positive in every situation. A celebration of life service will be held at 9 am on Monday, December 10, 2012, and visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2012 at San Joaquin National Cemetery 32053 West McCabe Rd, Santa Nella, CA 95322. Condolences may be emailed to [email protected] Donations in lieu of flowers will be welcome to the Assistance Service Dog Educational Center, PO Box 367 Woodlake, CA 93286.

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Published by Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Adv-Register on Dec. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Gill

3 Entries

Patti Reed

December 9, 2012

Ted & Liz, So Sorry to hear about your Dad. I called Ramon late Friday nite as I discovered it. I remember your dad as a very kind hearted man always welcoming with a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your families. Sorry I was not able to make the services. Hugs to you both. Love Always Patti

gary neiens

December 8, 2012

There were a lot of guys that liked Howard. I was one of them. There were some guys that thought they were smarter than Howard-only to find out later they weren't. I was also one of those.

His vast experience was his polestar. His judgement was gold. He also had a big dose of integrity. The world is certainly not a better place with him not in it. He loved his kids and did a good job as a father...they both loved him.

Finally, I'd suggest to another poster (Rick) if he disagreed with Howard.... he'll eventually figure out that Howard was right. (been there myself)

So, we all say farewell and Godspeed to the Colonel.
Thanks for everything Howard.

Gary Neiens/ Colorado

Rick Eastes

December 7, 2012

Howard was a great person, and was a pleasure to spend time with on the golf course. We had polar opposed differences of opinion on a range of political issues, but we were able to joke and verbally jab each other in good fun.

He was a great story teller, and had a sharp sense of humor, always ready with a quick joke, especially after a poor golf shot.

Howard was great to be around. I will miss him, and always think of him as I walk down number one fairway at VCC, and walk past his condo. Howard was an original.

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