Douglas Gilman dies at 84
Celebration of life will be held July 21 at Paso Robles Golf Club
–Nearing his 85th birthday, Paso Robles resident Doug Gilman died June 30, 2016. Born to Kathryn and Ralf Gilman in Glendale, CA, he was proud to be a third generation Californian, a decedent of the Bunker Hill family, and, most of all, proud to be an American. Gilman loved God and spoke to him everyday.
Devoted to his family and friends, Gilman was a true patriot serving in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He later served his country greatly as a civilian. Having had an exciting and distinguished career in aerospace, Gilman retired from Martin Marietta in 1993 as Manager of Security, Los Angeles Operations of Denver Space Company. Previous assignments included long-term duties at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Following retirement he served as a consultant to the Dept. of the Air Force. His work was never an “open book” to anyone.
Gilman was a proud member of the Hoover High School 49ers in Glendale, Calif. He also attended Glendale City College and Pierce College in Canoga Park. Satisfaction of an Assoc. Degree was given him by the Marquardt Corp. Past employers include the California Air National Guard at Van Nuys airport, Nuclear Systems division of the Marquardt Corp, and Lockheed Missiles and Space Systems
The Gilmans found their way to Paso Robles 20 years ago, renewing almost lifetime friendships with the Culvers and Tacys and their families plus making many new friends. Gilman was an avid golfer, enjoyed sailing his Catalina, water skiing, hunting and fishing, snow skiing, tennis, and being Mr. Fixit. He loved the real music of his generation and airplanes, his sports cars, baseball, and of course Vic’s Cafe. Known always for his quick wit, terrible puns and jokes, he lived his life to the end with humor.
Gilman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean; daughter and son-in-law, Karla and Roy Howell of Shell Beach; grandson, Troy Howell, his wife, Lindsay, and their 11-month old, Bennie, of Morro Bay; grandson, Daniel Howell of Shell Beach and North Hollywood; sister, Grace Kathryn Wiswell, of San Marcos and her children, Kathryn Jean Sullivan, Paul Douglas Alvarez, and Krista Lynn Seavill; an aunt, Donna Bennett of Billings, MT, (widow of Uncle Rev. Lobell Bennett) her daughters, Dana and Leslie and their families, and sons of deceased uncle, W. Dick Bennett, Lt Cmdr. USN, David, Jim and Tom.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 21, at the Paso Robles Golf Club at 2 pm. Rather than flowers, the family would like Gilman honored with a donation to the Pioneer Museum in Paso Robles. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicoaly Funeral Home, Paso Robles.
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