I always wanted to meet Professor Philip Wayne Gillett.  He was a remarkable mathematics instructor who authored a couple of mathematics books (Calculus, for one, to which I have a copy of).
How I first heard about Mr. Gillett was from my assigned college professor mentor at UW Eau Claire, WI, who asked me ""Are you Phil Gillett's son?"". I was puzzled and asked ""Who?"", then said that I did not know who he was (to which I bet this sunk my mentor's heart).
About 10 - 15 years later after I graduated from college, I received a couple of ""snail mails"" delivered to my home which were stamped undeliverable to the original recipient at the University of Wisconsin Madison. One of the letters was from an inmate from a jail out of Texas, inquiring about some math problems in a math book that Philip Wayne Gillett authored. After receiving a second letter from this inmate, I thought that I should try to find Mr. Philip Wayne Gillett. Since Google didn't exist yet (nor really the Internet, as we know it now), it took some time to locate ""the"" Mr. Philip Wayne Gillett.
I eventually found Mr. Gillett, called him and spoke with him, explaining that we had almost the same name, that I also graduated with a math degree, and then explained why I called regarding the mail from the inmate.
Both he and his wife were extremely pleasant, fun to talk with, and were gracious and kind.
He gave me his mailing address, told me to send the mail correspondences to him and he would take care of the rest.
I called him a couple of more times throughout the years. I always wanted to stop and see him, and to have him autograph my Calculus book.
Now, I won't have that opportunity after finding Mr. Gillett's obituary doing a Google search, and I feel sad about it.
R.I.P. (belated) Professor Philip Wayne Gillett.  I wish I could've met you.

Just to let you know that I think often of Phillip and how he helped me enjoy the awesomeness of God's creation in the moun tains. Hope your family is all doing well.  Mary & Norm Zahn

Dear Dooie & family!  I just found out about Phil's passing this morning.  My heartfelt sympathy!!
What a wonderful man and wonderful life you had with him!  Blessings (I'll find your address and mail something more! XOXO Marilynn

Mary and I were saddened at the news of Phil's passing.  I was fotunate to have had him as a ""veteran"" colleague when I started my career at UWMC in 1962 because he has very helpful to a first year faculty member especially in terms of course orgnization.  I patterned my own syllabi after his.  During my first year at the center I remember the debate between Phil and Roger Mergendahl called ""Mergendahl versus God"".  I am sure God appreaciated Phil's efforts.  Shortly after that we entered a two-man bike race for students and faculty.  We did finish the race and managed to defeat one team, a women's team who were, fortunately, not too athletic.  Over the years, I would occasionally go to Phil's office and give him a blindfold test on his vast knowledge of classical music.  One day a pulled a fast one on him by bringing the only symphony written by Grieg (an obscure one!) and, not too surprisingly, stumped him.  I also recall pole vaulting in Phil's backyard.  Of course, Phil had been on the UW Madison track team, so it wasn't much of a contest.  We also remember and appreaciate the time he happily took us on a hike in the mountains in Estes Park.  My much younger sister still remembers Phil and the fun we had on that hike.  Finally, let me say we are all better for having known Phil and wish Dooie and the family the best in the future.
Larry and Mary

I was saddened to learn of Prof. Gillett's passing.  I had the good fortune of having him as a teacher for 4 semesters at UW-Marathon in the late 60's.  I was a math-ed major and transferred to UW-Madison.  Phil was without a doubt the most outstanding instructor I had during my undergraduate and graduate studies.  He was truly inspiring as a teacher and as a man.  I would like to thank his family for sharing him with all of us students.  My sincere sympathy to you all.  
Lynn Gilbertson-Burke

So sorry to hear of your loss.  My thoughts are with your family. I have fond memories of all of you.    Paula

To the family of Philip Gillett, my sincerest sympathies to you with the passing of Prof. Gillett. I remember him fondly from three semesters of Calculus @ UWMC.

On the first day of class (Fall Semester, 1984), Prof. Gillett told the story of buying a home in Wisconsin.  He said he read through the entire purchase contract and noticed that the word ""statutes"" was incorrectly spelled ""statues"" (the context was something like ""...in accordance with Wisconsin Statues..."").  This was a gut buster for him and ""us"" wide-eyed froshlings were left in a daze (who is this guy and who could actually stay awake to read an entire home purchase contract). May God watch over you as you morn your loss. Sincerely, Keith Paul (Marathon, WI)

We would like to express our sympathy to the Gillett family. May God comfort you and know that countless friends are thinking of you.

We just now saw Phil's obituary.  A great life lived!  The years pass so quickly, yet the memories are vivid.  A summer doesn't go by that you are not mentioned in conversation.  So happy that all of you were able to enjoy Colorado all these years; and have God's glory reflected in that beautiful scenery.  We will fondly remember the WI years and our visit with you in Colorado. Peace and strength during this time of grieving.

Our Love,
Nancy and Gary Borger

To the Gillette Family:

I remember your father very fondly. I was privileged enough to be at your dinner table many times to listen to his talks and readings. Though the years have past, I remember my friendship with Joan and spending may nights at your home!  I now live in Arlington, VA and see that Maria is in McLean.  I also now ski in Colorado, in Vail, with the Vail Adaptive Ski School. I just came back from a week in Vail and now understand why you spend many summers in Estes Park--it is lovely! My prayers and thoughts are with your Father now that he will have a joyful life in heaven--with my mother who passed six years ago now.  As a good priest friend reminded me after the first anniversary of my mother's passing: ""She is up in heaven in all her gory with her crown of jewels--with mine shining the brightest.""  I'm sure your father has his glory now with his own crown of jewels for you children and grand-children!  
Please feel free to contact me at my email: raderan@aol.com  it would be great to reconnect with Joan!

Peace, love and joy to all of you.
Anne Rader
1276 N. Wayne Street
#330
Arlington, VA 22201
703-243-3105 (h)
917-359-1361 (c)

I am saddened to hear of Phil's passing on.  I have often thought of Phil and Dooie over the years.  I was lucky enough to have Phil and Mary escort my wife Laura and I up Long's Peak back 20 years or so ago.  I was also a former student of Phil's in Calc III back in 1980.  I enjoyed his wit and am trying to at least partially fill his shoes long vacated at UWMC in the math department.  

Our thoughts are with your family.
Paul Martin

We had the honor of hiking with Philip to Andrews Glacier a number of years ago.  He asked Dan if he would like to go up the Glacier with him.  Phil offered Dan his pick and off they went.  They proceeded up the Glacier and had a wonderful hike.  At the top Phil continued on to Taylor Peak and Dan headed back down to where I was waiting.  We knew we had just hiked with a very special man and hoped we would meet him again sometime in the park.  You have our sincere sympathy at this time.  Dan and Carol Stammeyer - ""Hikers from Marion, Iowa

Dear Mrs. Gillett and Family,  Our sincere sympathy to your family on your loss of Philip.  We were your neighbors on Ranch Circle, in Estes Park.  You don't know how many times we thought of you and your family.  My most favorite memory of Philip was our hike to the top of Notchtop Mtn. viva Andrews Glacier the day before we moved back to Ohio.  I still praise God for that memory which will be with me always.  We always admired your close knit family, which made me homesick for mine here in Ohio. Know that your memories of Philip will sustain you along with the faith that we will all see each other one day.  Norm & Mary Zahn

May God comfort you and your family, Maria, as you mourn the passing of your dear father.  It sounds like the angels carried him, singing, into heaven.  One day you will have your great reunion with him.

OBITUARIO

Philip Wayne Gillett

21 noviembre, 1927 – 13 julio, 2012

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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