Gil Gilson

A perfect blend of hard work and fun-loving adventure, Gil Gilson put the color into the world around him. He was a man of sound moral principle combined with integrity and character that provided those around him with much to aspire for. A devoted family man, Gil loved kids and was an extraordinary father who was thrilled beyond measure to witness his family tree blossom to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who made him so very proud. A longtime resident of the Martin area, he served his community with honor and compassion that were unmatched. Gil will be dearly missed, but the memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Although the challenges were numerous, cities, communities, and families came together to do whatever they could to weather the storm. The completion of the Empire State Building gave us something to celebrate while the work on Mount Rushmore continued. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1931 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from Trowbridge Township, Michigan, as they announced the birth of their baby boy on September 29, 1931. Gil was the youngest of two children born to his parents, Leroy and Lucille (Simington) Gilson, and he was raised in the family home alongside his sister, Margie. His father worked at a paper mill in Otsego while his mother was a busy homemaker. The Gilson family was given a tough pill to swallow when Gil’s mother died at a young age. His father later remarried, which brought three more children into the mix including Judy, Margaret, and Carl.

In many ways Gil experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. He was a student through Otsego schools and played football and ran track while in high school. While in school, he worked on a family farm and for the neighbors. Gil went on to graduate from Otsego in 1950.

With a desire to serve his country, Gil joined the Navy Reserves while still in school, and he served for the 10 years that followed. Throughout his time in the military he would be at sea for three weeks at a time, which included a trip to Cuba on one occasion. Gil was proud to follow in the footsteps of his father who was also in the Navy.

New and exciting changes were in store for Gil when he met the woman with whom he would write a love story that spanned more than 60 years. Her name was Dona, and they met while she was at a friend’s house across from Deans Ice Cream when Gil and a buddy pulled up. Sparks flew right from the start, and the couple dated for the following three months. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Gil and Dona were married on October 26, 1951. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home, Mark, Tanya, and Jodie. Gil and his wife raised their family in a house that he built in Martin. He loved all kids, and it was with this in mind that he brought Little League baseball to Martin. Gil also taught archery and gun safety to numerous kids in the area.

Throughout his life Gil was accompanied by a strong work ethic. As a young newlywed he worked at the paper mill in Otsego. Then he took a job at Panel-Lite but he didn't have a car so he hitch hiked to and from work. Later he settled in at Martin Hardware. He later bought the business and continued to work there as well, making a career there for 62 years. In addition, Gil was on the Martin Fire Department for 52 years with 17 of those years being spent as the fire chief.

All who knew Gil would agree that he made the most of every moment he was given. He and his wife were lifelong members of Martin Reformed Church. If there was one thing he loved, it was traveling, and he saw so many of the best things that the world has to offer. Gil and his sons took some amazing hunting trips to places like Africa, Australia, and the North Arctic, and he also took most of his family out to Wyoming, which was his favorite place. There were also family trips to Mammoth Cave and to the historic World’s Fair. Gil was a talented musician who played the guitar and wrote his own songs including a song about President Kennedy that is displayed in the Kennedy Museum. He was known for going to entertain the residents at local nursing homes, and he also sang at the music barn. Gil was a food lover whose favorites included popcorn, bacon and eggs, steak, and ham, and he liked listening to the music of Johnny Cash. A real man’s man, he loved being out in the woods and enjoyed cutting wood, too.

Gil Gilson was a blessing in the lives of those around him through his kindhearted and generous ways. Although he could be stubborn when it came to things he was passionate about, he was usually an easy going guy who had the best sense of humor. Gil’s love and devotion to his family was unmatched, and it was when surrounded by his loved ones that he was happiest. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Gil Gilson, of Martin, died on May 17, 2014, at his home. Gil’s family includes his wife, Dona; his children: Mark (Doreen) Gilson, Tanya (Tim) Griffioen, Jodie (Sherri) Gilson; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Margaret and Carl, as well as several nieces and nephews. Gil was preceded in death by his siblings, Margie and Judy. Visit with his family and friends on Thursday, May 22 from 4:00-7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). On Friday, May 23 there will be a Visitation from 10:00 with a funeral following at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Reform Church; 1073 W Allegan St, Martin, MI 49070 (672-5596). Please visit Gil’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Martin Reform Church or the National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.