Richard Dean Gillies

Richard Dean Gillies passed away suddenly on November 1, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 66. He was born April 14, 1947 to Sinclair Daniel Gillies and Camille Jensen. He married his beloved wife, Donna Ruth Layman on February 4, 1974 in the Salt Lake Temple. Surviving family members include his wife, Donna, his mother Camille Polinelli, 4 brothers, Terry, Duane, Victor and Marc. Surviving children and their families include: Karey Barbee (daughter), spouse Vance and children Rachel and Ian. Duane Gillies (son), spouse Valerie and children Kamry, Makiah and Venice. Eric Gillies (son), spouse Johanna and children Joshua, Caleb and Sarah. Nina Jackson (daughter) and children Braden and Larissa Jackson; Cannon, Brooklyn and Cameron Jensen. Thomas Gillies (son) and child Shane Clifford. Spencer Gillies (son), fiancé Angelina Madrid and children Selah, Daniela, Myriah and Gabriel. Ruth Corrigan (daughter) and spouse Mike and children Kamen, Kyler and Chloe. Richard spent his life serving others. He served a mission as a young man in the western United States and a second mission with his wife in the West Valley Addiction Recovery Mission. He proudly wore his white shirt and name tag and enjoyed helping others turn the Savior for healing. His favorite song was “In the Arms of His Love” by Janice Kapp Perry. He served in several scouting and youth callings as well as two bishoprics. Many will remember his fireside “stick dances” and his use of humor to make people laugh. He volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of America and had a profound positive impact on many youth. He was an outdoor enthusiast – winter camping with a tent was a luxury for him. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the park. He loved to cook and grill. His signature hamburgers called “Gillies burgers” were a favorite for many. He also served in the community as coach and president of the Hunter Little League baseball program. Richard was a hard worker. He began with a paper route at age 7. Beginning in 1967, he started a long career in the sign industry. In 1985, he started a family sign business called Gillies Signs and Design. He was well known and admired throughout the industry. A viewing will be held at the Hunter 17th Ward LDS Church, 3745 South 6400 West, on Tuesday, November 5, at 6:00 PM and Wednesday, November 6, at 10:00 AM with a funeral service following at 11:00 AM. The family wishes to thank friends and family members - too many to mention – who have supported Richard throughout his life’s journey. His motto in life was “Don’t worry be happy!”. 

Richard Dean Gillies

April 14, 1947 - November 1, 2013