Donald Edward Gill

1951 ∼ 2008

Donald Edward Gill
Donald E. Gill, 57, of Winthrop Harbor, IL, passed away at his residence, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Newfoundland, Canada, on May 8, 1951, he was the son of Ronald E. and Daisy I. (Lockyer) Gill. He and his family moved to Winthrop Harbor when he was a young boy, he was a graduate of Zion Benton High School. On May 12, 1973 in Kenosha he married Cathy Irving. He was employed by Commonwealth Edison for 30 years retiring in 2001. Don was a member of Beach Community Church in Beach Park, IL, was an avid hunter and enjoyed Pheasant hunting, was a member of "HOG" Harley Owners Group, and six years ago he received his Ship Captain License. Surviving are his wife, Cathy; his two sons, Eric E. (Deb) Gill of Nashwauk, MN, and Christopher E. Gill of Kenosha; his mother, Daisy I. Gill of San Diego, CA; a sister, Molly (Carl) Spohr of South Carolina; and his five grandchildren, Tori, Delaney, Rylee, Hunter and Lucas. He was preceded in death by his father. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13th, at Beach Community Church, 37283 N. Green Bay Rd, Beach Park, IL, at 11:30 a.m.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Don’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Joyce Baldwin
Cathy, Chris & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of deepest sorrow. I'm so sorry for you loss. Please know that I love you and pray that God will give you and your Family the strength that is needed at this very diffcult time. With heartfelt sympathy and love, Joyce Baldwin & Family
Trisha Gill
Hi again Uncle D,Well I just wanted to say Good-Bye. I know you would scold me for being so upset and missing valuable time that I could spend doing something else, but when my heart broke I stumbled. I know you loved me and were proud of me and that is what I have to keep, your gift forever. You wouldn't want me to make a big deal out this and would prefer I keep my head pointed in the direction of success and maybe that is what I have to do for you - I took a moment and I looked around the ground and there was my heart broken in a million pieces scattered all around my feet and I could hear your voice - "I turn my back for a minute and look at you, you're too strong and have too many places to go and see - now get on outta here kiddo, I have to be able to watch the magic unfold from up here." I wiped my tears and closed the flood gates. I remembered when I told you that "if your going through hell keep on going don't slow down if your scared don't show it you might get out before the devil even knows your there" "there's angels everywhere out on the street holding out a hand to pull you back up on your feet" (Rodney Atkins) - so here I go just like you did... I've packed plenty of strength and I am going to do this. I trust you'll watch over me, but I know that big girls don't cry. Fergie "I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket, but I've got to get a move on with my life, it's time to be a big girl now, and big girls don't cry. The path that I'm walking I must go alone, I must take the baby steps 'til I'm full grown, Fairytales don't always have a happy ending, do they? I foresee the dark ahead if I stay. It's time for me to go homeIt's getting late, dark outside, I need to be with myself and center, clarityPeace, Serenity. I will miss you Uncle D, but I promise I won't come back here to visit you, I have to get a move on. For the record though I don't really like this. Good Bye Unk see you in my dreams soon. Butterfly Kisses always Uncle D. (sorry to everyone for the long entries, I use to always write letters to my Uncle and send him lyrics to songs.)
Bruce Komarowski
I only met Don a few times, but I know he had been struggling with health issues for years. Cathy our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.Bruce and Jackie Komarowski
Anonymous
You are in our hearts and prayers.Nikki and Stanley TewTracy and Kevin Hughes
Trisha Gill
Mickey Uncle Donald - I can't believe you’re gone, it simply isn't fair. I will not miss your presence because I make it a part of mine and in my heart you will live forever with that great big smile and those amazing hugs. Your eyes could scold me without a word but your love and faith in me were known when you were nowhere to be found. I will always think of you as my Brother, remember you as my Uncle, giggle because you even (theoretically) hold the title of father "Godfather" with me - you were my best friend too. You helped me understand marriage, you knew my deepest secrets, and you watched me get into Columbia with that "I told you so" attitude. You were my cheerleader - remember what you said to my dad when you saw him at the doctor's office - You Rock Unk – Thank You for everything! I will miss talking about politics, race issues and the universe (among other things like Two and a Half Men), and I am sure that someday I will pick up the phone to call and realize that, that option is gone. You have shown me the strength to get through everything. You are such a wise person - remember what you told me in the last row of seats at this funeral home just a few years back. Well I guess you were right. You are my hero and in an omnipresent kind of way you always will be. I wish I could be there for Aunt Cathy, Chris and Heather more than I am, but I have a final the day after your celebration (Astrophysics & Climate – your favorites). Well, I better go... I am going to miss writing to you. We love you Uncle D... We always will, but you knew that already. All of the things I am not saying here I know you know, so sweet dreams Uncle D - I love you. PS. I just had a Trinidad for you - man I miss you so much Uncle Donald. I love you Chris.
Heather Wolf December 24, 2008
Missing talking to you more and more.. I pray you are watching over me with your huge smile.
Sue Peters December 15, 2008
When Our Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. It's those fond memories of Don where you can find comfort in knowing you were a special part of a well lived life! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Fred & MaryAnn Gillings December 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss.
Burt & Sandy Lounsbury December 13, 2008
Cathy, We are so sorry to hear about Don. It just doesn't seem possible. Don has always been a good friend, he will be missed even as far away as New Mexico. You have our heartfelt sympathy.
Ted and Kathy Korth December 13, 2008
Dear Cathy,There are no words to let you know how we feel right now....to say "We're sorry" just doesn't seem to be enough. You know how much Ted and I loved Don, and we were both honored to call him our friend. Fate brought Don and Ted together all those years ago at Commonwealth Edison, and once they discovered all that they had in common (mostly their love for fishing and hunting) they had been great pals ever since. Luckily for me, we all decided to go out as couples, and we toohave been good friends ever since. We will miss him more than words can say. Other than Ted missing him when he is looking for his fishing/hunting buddy, we will also miss him when we get together for our annual Christmas Lunch which is followed by our trip to pick out the perfect Christmas Tree (where we have always done our Christmas gift exchange.....in the cold and in the middle of the parking lot where they are selling the Christmas trees.) Picking out a Christmas tree will never be the same!!! But our lives were so much richer for having had a great friend like Don in it. God Bless you and your family. Your strength during all of this has been amazing!!!Love,Kathy and Ted
Andy,Pam and Chris Pierce Family December 12, 2008
Dear Don,Thankyou for all the smiles you brought to us whenever we met.thankyou my friend for all tne kindness you showed my son Christopher....I feel blessed to have known you...Love Pam,Andy & Chris Pierce.
Kathy DeSeife December 12, 2008
Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Don. He was one of the nicest people I've met and was always so cheerful. We are thinking of you.Kathy (from Chase Bank)
Bernard & Kathy Bauer December 12, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Your Buddy from Com-Ed
Jim Gibour December 12, 2008
Don - We worked together for 30 years and have been friends and fishing partners for over 36 years. I always enjoyed spending time with you having a couple drinks, fishing, relaxing, or just talking to you. I will miss you a lot and someday I will join you in heaven. You friend always,Jim
Mary Bir December 12, 2008
Cathy,Chris & Family, We share in your lose as a wonderful friend now lives on in the hearts and memories of those Don left behind. We will see Don in the faces of his children and his grandchildren. Peace, Love and prayers.Tom & Mary
John & Sherry Belanger December 12, 2008
Cathy, Our thoughts and prayers are being directed to you for the loss of a great person, friend, and companion that you had in Don. The previous tributes reveal what other family and friends have seen in Don. He had a very big heart and offered friendship and trust to those he knew.John & Sherry BelangerDon, our "old times" still live on in my mind and heart, adios old friend.JB
Heather December 12, 2008
We had the best talks . . . You were awesome to me and Destiny. I am forever grateful!!!!!! Love you
Vera (Brown) Mitchell December 11, 2008
Daisy and family,My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. What a terrible loss! May God comfort you.I remember when you, Donald, and Molly used to come home to Tack's Beach on holidays. I was just a little girl then. I have a picture of him - I guess it's a school picture - it says "Little Fort 1959-60." Love,Vera
Nikki Tew December 11, 2008
I am so sorry. You and your family have been through so much! But Don is now home with the Lord and out of pain.Love,Nikki
Jody Black December 11, 2008
All the pain is gone for Don. Trust in GOD as he knows the pain needed to end. The family who once treasured Don and have learned so much from him should now realize that Don is now safe from further harm as he enjoys his new life in the hands of GOD. We will miss you Don!
Jackie Grana December 11, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My sincere sympathy.Jackie Grana
R Bleau Cooper December 11, 2008
I miss You Buddy
Dawn Grana (nee: Bradshaw) December 11, 2008
Cathy:My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family. I cannot imagine what you are going through. If there is anything I can do to help you through this time, please do not hesitate to contact me! My thoughts and prayers are with you.Dawn Grana
Cathy Gill December 11, 2008
You have been my rock for 35 years and your final battle and strong will to never leave us will never be forgotten! I have lost my best friend and partner for a lifetime, but our memories of you will last a lifetime! I know you are not in pain anymore and I know that you are with our Lord Jesus and I will see you again!Deeply saddened, Your loving wife,Cathy
Cathy Gill December 11, 2008
You have been my rock for 35 years and your final battle and strong will to never leave us will never be forgotten. I have lost my best friend and partner for a lifetime, but your memory will last forever! I know you are not in pain anymore and you are with our Lord Jesus and I will see you again!Deeeply saddened,Your loving wife,Cathy
JIM TURNER December 11, 2008
DON YOU AND I GO WAY BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS YOU ARE HOME NOW AND AT PEACE.JIM TURNERP.S CARL AND MOLLY?? I'M SHOCKED...BUT GOD BLESS YOU AND HANG IN THEREJIM TURNER EMAIL ME
scott a. m. sams December 11, 2008
dear cathy, so sorry to her of don's passing. I haven't been up to see you in quite awhile. please accept my well wishes. I can be reached by e-mail or by if phone. (847) 951-0712 sincerely scott a. m. sams
Rick Elliott December 11, 2008
Dear Cathy & Family,I can relate to your severe loss.As someone who has just lost my Ferne [ my wife] to ovarian cancer & who fought the fight for eight years, I feel your extreme pain. Cathy & I spoke very often about Donald while we discussed chemo etc.regarding your Dad & my Ferne.Please know my prayers are with each of you as you greive.Rick Elliott
Judy Parise December 11, 2008
HI Cathy I just wanted to send my sympathy as I will not be able to attend the funeral services. My heart goes out to you & your family and my thoughts & prayers are with you . Love hugs & kisses Judy
George and Bertha Brown ,New Harbour (Tack's Beach) NL,Canada December 11, 2008
Deepest sympathy is extended to you and your family at this time.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Georgie and Bertie
Duane and Terry Ylvisaker December 10, 2008
Cathy, We have lost a great guy. His ready smile on the dock will always be remembered.
Jack and Robin Bultman December 10, 2008
CathyYou and your family are in our prayer and thoughts. Don was a great guy and will surely be missed by a lot of people. Stay strong and will see you Saturday.