"Dear Brent and family, We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. We hope that happy memories of time spent with your father bring you comfort and peace now and always. Cindy & Mike Peter's Emily Stark "
In loving memory of
Earl Arland Gillies
July 9, 1931 - September 17, 2019
Earl A. Gillies
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Earl Arland Gillies, 88, passed away on September 17, 2019 surrounded by his family in Brigham City, Utah from Parkinson's disease.
Earl was born on July 9, 1931 in Vineyard, Utah, a son of Jay Marion and Carrie Jensen Gillies.
Dad was raised on the banks of Utah Lake farming with his parents. When World War II broke out they were forced to leave their homestead when Geneva Steel was to be built on their farm. His family relocated to Monroe, Utah and purchased a new farm. He graduated from South Sevier High School in 1949. He attended college at Cedar City. Earl enlisted with the Army National Guard Unit #213 and was later called into active duty in the U.S. Army where he served during the Korean Conflict. Earl was a communication specialist and was later promoted to sergeant for his outstanding service to the country he loved. He had many stories of his time in Korea, and how one of his memories is saving 13 nurses from the Chinese. He returned with an honorable discharge in 1952. He continued his schooling and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational agricultural education from Utah State University.
Earl married his sweetheart Anna Laura Morrey on June 25, 1954 in the Manti Temple.
They moved to Manti where he taught several subjects in high school including vocational agriculture, biology and driver's education. He went back to school at Utah State and received additional accreditation in education. They moved to Idaho where he taught biology, earth science, shop, welding and other subjects at Malad High School. For several years he was a wrestling coach and helped several wrestlers win Idaho state championships. He retired from teaching in 1982. Earl made a transition to Thiokol where he was a lab technician from 1983 to 1995. His responsibilities included testing solid rocket fuel used in the boosters for the space shuttle.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he served as Bishop, High Councilor, home teacher and other callings. He and his wife, Ann served a Family History Mission in Salt Lake City from 1996 to 1998.
Earl loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening and most of all being with his family. He loved serving and was happiest when helping others.
The family would like to thank Tender Care Home Health and Hospice for their loving care, especially Lori Gillies, Carma Carlson, Alexis Curley and Dr. Brent Schow.
In lieu of flowers we would request a donation to the Malad American Legion - Ernest W. Jones Post #65. PO Box 212, Malad ID 83252 c/o Russ Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, three children, David (Cheryl) Gillies; Kathy (Bob) Kent; Brent (Lori) Gillies; 17 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren and two on the way; two brothers, Phil (Ina) and Burke Gillies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Marion and one sister, Gayle and a sister-in-law LaJuana Gillies (Burke).
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 12 Noon at Malad City 3rd Ward, 400 North 200 West, Malad City, Idaho.
Viewings will be held on Thursday September 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the church.
Interment will be in the Malad City Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post #65 Honor Guard.
Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com
Tributes
"Brent and family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the viewing or the funeral but will have you in my thoughts during that time. "
"Brent, so sorry to hear about your Dad. It isn't easy to lose our loved ones. God bless you and your family."
"I am so glad that I got to be a part of the Gillies family. Earl was always interested in what I was doing, he'd check what was new and what was happening. He always had a huge grin when he'd make a funny. He was a great sport during the 4th of July and I loved watching him in the parade. His wave was the best. It was like having an extra Dad. He always made me feel welcome and a part of the family. Heaven is shinning a bit brighter now because he's there. "
"I'm so sorry, Brent. I believe my husband worked with your dad at Thiokol in the lab. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all the happy memories bring comfort through the years. Martha & Dennis Harrison"
"Deepest sympathy Brent. It doesn't matter the age, it is and can be still very hard on those left behind. May our good Lord and Savior watch over you all in the days and weeks ahead."