John L. Gilchrist

“I did it my way”

John Gilchrist, a remarkable man of purpose, passion, and global impact, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his life, Delores, and his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father, world traveler, and lifelong adventurer who lived fully and without compromise.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Delores; sons Rick (Debbie Jo) and John; stepson Chris (Melissa); grandsons Brady and Michael; sister Jan (Jody); and sister-in-law Loretta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Irene, and his brother, Gil.

Born with a curious spirit and a generous heart, John began his journey of exploration early, becoming a registered guide at just 16 years old for the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely, Minnesota. Leading wilderness expeditions by canoe into Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, he developed a deep respect for nature and the people he encountered along the way.

After a year of college, John answered President’s Kennedy’s call to service and joined the Peace Corps, dedicating two transformative years to supporting Indigenous communities in Bolivia in including in the remote Amazon River Basin near Rurrenabaque. These years left an indelible mark on his soul and shaped the direction of his life.

John later returned to complete his studies at the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in Latin American Studies. In 1968, he joined Graco as one of the company’s first South American managers. With Graco, John lived in Brazil for two years, Argentina for two years, and Venezuela for seven years and he became fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese.

After returning to the U.S. in 1979, John found continued success in the oil and gas industry, holding several executive roles that brought him to 187 countries. Highlights of his career include helping establish manufacturing operations in India, Australia, and Mexico. Along the way, he built lasting business relationships and close friendships in many countries, including a notable joint venture in Ecuador with Renata Fregonese.

Above all, John was a devoted family man. He cherished his wife, Delores, his partner in all things, whose steadfast love supported him through every chapter of his life, including during his later life health challenges. Together they raised three sons John, Rick, and Chris, of whom he was immensely proud.

In 2015, John retired and relocated with Delores from Houston to Oklahoma City to be closer to her family. There, in a quitter chapter of life, he found peace, reflection, and comfort surrounded by loved ones.

John’s favorite song was “My Way”, and indeed, he lived his life that way, with boldness, kindness, and an unwavering drive to explore and uplift others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the cultures he embraced, and the family he so deeply loved.

He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home.