I don’t know why God chooses the days he does but I sit here and realize his power and grace.  Grandpa definitely got his inspiration for these great treasures somewhere and while we could have never been able to predict the future, it brings a smile to my face to know how they both went through so much work to give us a reason to smile on this holiday now and forever.

I’ve been hesitant to share this as I don’t want this to be a message of condolence or an airing of my sorrow. This message is meant to be one of honor, praise and admiration for the greatest man I was blessed with the privilege of learning from. his examples of what it means to be a strong, intelligent, godly and loving man have greatly molded me into the man I am. 
This weekend we say goodbye to and honor my all American hero, my man among men, my gentle giant and the epicenter of our family. I’ve strived everyday to be more like you, I’ve grown in your shadow in awe, always taking away something new to think of or a new goal to reach for. You were always attentive, sincere and yet firm and direct in the perfect way. You never let me see you live a day of your life in fear or doubt, always looking forward at what good may come. The knowledge and wisdom of working with my hands, and pride in doing something yourself is now a great part of my way of life. I will always remember these gifts you’ve taught me. 
Rest well now my grand father and take pleasure in all the great things you’ve done.

Don was one of those unsung engineers of Chevrolet engineering in the late fifties, sixties and seventies.  He was "Mr. Fastener" to the engineering department, particularly the design department.  When a "designer" needed a fastener as part of a design release; Don Gill was the guy you went to in order to get the right fastener for the job and its part number.  He must have chosen tens of thousands of fasteners in the course of his engineering career and millions of actual fastener parts that have gone into Chevrolet Cars and Trucks.

He was always available, friendly and pretty relaxed even though he had to deal with a lot of stress in his daily fastener selection process.  He was great to work with and much appreciated especially  by a "learning on the job" young layout draftsman who, often hadn't a clue as to what screw, nut, etc. to release.  Obviously if we didn't get the right fastener for the job, we just might have some Chevys falling apart further down the road.  Don made sure  that rarely happened.  I've often thought that, somehow, the organization never really properly recognized individuals like Don, who quietly went about essential jobs without fan fair and, often, the recognition they deserved.

I remember him well and send his family my condolences.  He truly was a really neat and well appreciated man to the designers and release engineers he worked with.


Grandpa was an important role model and finest person I have ever known. 

Grandpa never forgot a birthday, anniversary or other important milestone. Grandpa's cards and calls never missed a beat... they remind us how much Grandpa loved and cared for each member of his tremendous family. 

Beyond the cards and calls, Grandpa's actions spoke volumes about integrity, dedication, generosity, love, kindness and most of all the importance of family. I cherish and will forever miss Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving  dinners with Grandpa.

I wish I could have spent more time with Grandpa. Anytime we got together Grandpa I felt a sense of peace. While Grandpa did not say a lot about himself, Grandpa loved to ask questions and always wanted to hear about our joys, accomplishments and problems.

Only few people raise the bar for mankind. Grandpa made everyone around him a better person and left the world a better place. 

I am so proud to have such a wonderful Grandpa and smile when I think about all the good things Grandpa represented and accomplished over 96 years. 

Grandpa will be greatly missed and admired for many lifetimes. Heaven gained a special soul this week.

I love you Grandpa. 

Every time I met Donald , since 1979, I was much impressed with his gentle quiet ways and strong loving presence, as well as  his  dependable helpful support of everyone in his extended and combined families.  He was the quintessential  Christian American Man, every one who met him left more positive and encouraged. We need more men, fathers grandfathers,  neighbors and parishioners like Donald Gill.  As a pastor I would kid him about God spoiling him with two wonderful wives.  He said he was not going to try a third time, as God could not have given him any more blessings then he already received.   May he rest in the  peace and  light of the Risen Lord, Jesus. 
Fr. John D. Hoke

Such beautiful memories of times with the Gill family on Little Mack.  Lots of fond memories and stories to remember from Uncle Don.  He was a gifted man and shared his many talents and skills with so many.  Such a gift to have him in our life.

It was my pleasure carrying for Don. He was a very nice man, and he tried so hard to stay with you all. Your family was refreshing to see how loving, 
and caring you all were. And how much you all supported each other and your father. God Bless you all, you are in my prayers

We were so sorry to hear about Don's passing.  He was the best neighbor anyone could have asked for.  From the moment we moved on to Little Mack, Don and Ann welcomed us.  We loved to see how active and vibrant he was.  We would be in the house during a snow storm, and we would see Don pulling out of his driveway to go somewhere.  
It will be so sad to not have him as our neighbor.  We miss Ann too.
Larry and Susan Hoppenworth

OBITUARY

Donald Henry Gill

June 15, 1921 – March 31, 2018

Kaul Funeral Home

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