Gary Gilliam passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at TriState Health in Clarkston due to end stage liver disease surrounded by his loved ones.
Gary was born on June 17, 1946, to Howard and Irene Gilliam in Lewiston. He attended all of his schooling in Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1966.
While still in high school he began working for Potlatch Corporation in the plywood plant. After graduating high school, Gary continued his employment with Potlatch and also joined the Army National Guard. He was stationed at Fort Ord, where he was trained to drive heavy equipment and often joked that he had the privilege of guarding the Pebble Beach golf course. While still in the National Guard, he transferred from the plywood plant to a full-time position as a level one firefighter with Potlatch. In 1974, Gary became an EMT and later a shift captain in the fire department. While working for Potlatch Fire Department he earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science from the College of Southern Idaho. Although the company changed to Clearwater Paper, Gary continued his employment as a firefighter for 36 years. During this same time period he joined the Culdesac QRU and Culdesac volunteer fire department, where he served for over 30 years, and eventually became fire chief.
In 1972, Gary had the privilege of becoming a father when his son Greg was born. Then, in November 1977, he met and made eyes at a cute teller at P1FCU, Beverly Pratt. After a short courtship, and winning over Bev’s daughter, Nareena, they married and blended their families, making their home in Culdesac. They raised both kids and lived happily together for 45 years.
A highlight of his life was when his granddaughter Lucy was born in 2007. He was completely enamored with her and they became best “Bucko Bunnies”.
After retiring from Clearwater Paper in 2003, Gary took over the office of Nez Perce County Coroner. He thoroughly enjoyed this work even though his family often teased him about his morbid job. He held this office for 14 years.
Throughout the years Gary spent most of his free time volunteering for several organizations, taking great pride in his volunteer work and caring for others. He was especially proud of his time with EMS, SAR and the Nez Perce County Fire Department. When he wasn’t volunteering, Gary enjoyed camping and being outdoors.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Gilliam of Culdesac, his sister Sharon Ritz of Lewiston, his son Greg Gilliam (Dorinda) of Lewiston, daughter Nareena Guhin (Rob Gregory) of Grangeville, Tami Arthur of Virginia, David Arthur of Post Falls, grandchildren Lucy Guhin and Grayson Gregory, nieces Mindy Ritz of Lewiston, and Darcy Henderson (Percy) of Lewiston and various other nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at noon, Monday, Oct. 16, at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, 920 21st Ave., Lewiston. Inurnment to follow at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow.
The family would like to thank the community and friends for their ongoing support over the past years. It was Gary’s great honor to serve them, as it was his life’s work.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Culdesac Quick Response Unit, P.O. Box 102, Culdesac, ID 83524.
And as Gary always said, “It is what it is.”
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Monday, October 16, 12:00 PM
- Location
-
Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home
920-21st Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Get Directions - Additional Details
- Burial will follow at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens
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