Eldon Gilson

Eldon Gilson, 89, formerly of La Grande, died Sept. 17.

A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Glenwood Community Church in Vancouver, Wash.

He was born Feb. 6, 1921, to Robert and Mary Gilson in Brush, Colo. His parents owned a cattle ranch. The family moved to La Grande in 1935.

In January 1942, he joined the Navy where he served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Pinkney. In September 1944, he married Rosemary Alexander of La Grande in Forth Worth, Texas, where he was stationed. Upon discharge in November 1945, they returned to La Grande. On Jan. 1, 1947, they moved to Holtville, Calif., where he was employed as division superintendent of a water and power company. Upon retirement in 1984, they moved to Vancouver, Wash.

While in Holtville, he was active in the Cornerstone Community Church and the Rotary Club. For many years, he was active in Youth for Christ. He was a member of the Gideons and an active member of the Glenwood Community Church.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary; son, Stanley and his wife, Phyllis, of West Hills, Calif.; sister-in-law, Rosalie Gilson of Woodburn; one niece and two nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 6202, Vancouver, WA 98668.

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