Michael Strickland Gillman

Michael Strickland Gillman, age 60, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 9:21 p.m. in the evening. Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents Edward Witter & Anne Witter, Oscar & Maggie Gillman, his Aunt Vernell and Howard Peterson, his father Charles "Gill" Gillman, his mother June Gillman, and his brother Al Gillman & cousin Ray Gene Hinze. He is survived by his sister Sarah Gillman Sanders, brother-in-law Tom Sanders, nephews Michael & Josh Sanders, cousins Linda & Ron Scott, Christina & Matthew Richards, Stephen, Renee & Bryce Hinze, Lara Peterson, and many other loved ones.

Michael was born in Houston, Texas, and spent his entire life in the Memorial area. He graduated from Stratford High School, where his love for travel was ignited. After high school, he embarked on a journey of learning and adventure by attending the University of Houston Branch in London, where he pursued English literature. Although he was just a month away from earning two degrees, his passion for the outdoors led him to start his career.

Michael thrived working outdoors, relishing the warmth of the sun on his skin. He dedicated many years to Associated Testing before joining the Harris County Office of the County Engineer as an inspector. His profession not only provided a livelihood but also introduced him to numerous friends, making his job a source of joy.

In his free time, Michael shared his love for literature with his mother, June, often finding solace in the pages of a good book. He fondly recounted stories of his childhood, when his father would take him and his neighborhood friends camping, stargazing, hunting, and fishing. Those memories included cross-country trips to Florida for day-long fishing adventures, complete with bucket loads of oysters fresh from the shell.

Michael held a special place in his heart for his sister, and they maintained a close connection, speaking frequently by phone and spending time together whenever possible camping, fishing, hanging out with Tom, playing with the boys, their parents and cherishing their moments together when she visited. He also thought she was a wizard with the scissors and couldn't wait for her to cut his hair whenever she visited.

He took immense pride in his nephews, Michael and Josh, and shared memorable experiences with them, whether duck hunting alongside Michael and Tom or simply spending time with Josh and their family dogs & pig, Pig Pig. Michael had an enduring affection for pigs; he collected them, and that fondness remained with him throughout his life.

Family gatherings during the holidays brought him great joy, particularly when Sarah and her family joined the festivities. All the family would gather at the Hinze's house, sometimes the Gillman's, and a few times in Kentucky at the Peterson's. Michael's travel companion was Tina, and together, they explored the world, from Japan to Jamaica, California, and beyond. Their adventures included trips to Lake Tahoe, Texas Hill Country resorts; he had so much fun with Tina he went back with Sarah, Tom, and Lara. Both were destinations he loved.

His travels across the United States this last 17 months took him to numerous destinations, including South Dakota's Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Utah's stunning national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches), Lake Las Vegas, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Carmel, Hearst Castle, and the Hoover Dam. Michael had the opportunity to visit many places, with large family vacations planned in San Antonio, New York City to see his Astros play the Yankees with Tom Travis, Stephen & Renee. His final travels took him all over Vatican City, Italy: Rome, Pompeii, Napoli, Capri, Sorrento, and Greece: Santorini, Athens, & Crete with Lara and Tina.

The circle of friends that surrounded Michael was more like an extended family. Tom Travis, Jeff Flinn, Derek Kroll, Joan Hampton Turlip, Charles & Barbara Hammell, Lucky & Nandini Kandolha, Sonja Venable, Kristen Schulze and many other friends have been integral parts of his life for years.

Texas held a special place in Michael's heart, boasting some of his favorite fishing spots, including Rockport, Freeport, the Gulf Coast, Lake Travis, Lake Somerville, Huntsville State Park, and Galveston. However, his true passion was duck hunting at the Broko in Eagle Lake, an activity he enjoyed with his father, brother, brother-in-law Tom, nephew Mike, neighbor George Taylor, and friends Tom Travis, Rich Orr, Danny Baker, Brian Boudreaux and Gary Sanders. Danny and Gary's dogs, Hershey and Juan, were frequent playmates on these outings.

Michael's love for hunting started early, at the age of 6, and he often reflected on the countless hunts he had experienced. One of his proudest moments came last year when he finally caught a canvasback duck, which he had preserved as a keepsake.

Michael's holidays and special occasions were made all the more memorable by visits from friends and family. A recent visit with Chuck & Cindy Gellhaus and Elizabeth brought him great happiness. The tradition of meeting up with the Hinze family, including cousin Linda Hinze Scott and her loved ones, persisted throughout the years.

During the past 17 and a half months, living with Stephen & Tina's family, Michael embraced a new therapy dog named Buddy. He found tranquility in the peaceful fish tanks, showed affection to all five of Tina & Matt's dogs, took leisurely walks along the trails to Tina's house and back to Stephen's, enjoyed regular visits to the YMCA with Rosemary, Stephen & Renee and Tina, fished in the community park in Gettysburg, fed the ducks, walked Buddy Bryce’s dog and cherished time with his family. He loved that Sarah came down and fished with him here as well, with her snagging quite a large catch.

Michael frequently expressed his gratitude for the love and friendship he received from those who cared about him, acknowledging that their support was instrumental in his journey. His family and friends held a special place in his heart.

Michael's life was a tapestry woven with family, friends, outdoor adventures, pets, and cherished memories. His devotion to his family knew no bounds, and he would go to great lengths to support and care for them.

He was a warm-hearted individual, combining British humor with a particular fondness for Monty Python and sarcasm with a generous spirit. We are grateful for the time we had with him in our lives, as our lives were enriched by his unwavering support and love. Though the past 17 months may not have seemed long, Michael embraced each day with positivity and without complaint. He cherished everything that friends and family did for him and found joy in the Astros and Sugarland Space Cowboys baseball teams, good food, great music, and good times. We will deeply miss him, and in the words of Tina, "our eyes are leaking, and our hearts are hurting." We love you, Michael Strickland Gillman, December 3, 1962 - September 18, 2023 the dash in the middle holds so many precious memories for all who had the honor to know you. You will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you.

A visitation and gathering to honor Michael's memory will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77079. A celebration of his life will follow from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the same location, with a catered reception afterward at 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Gillman family at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com.