Page created by: Lana Gillis

Ron Gillis left this life on 13 January 2021 due to Covid pneumonia. Ron was born in Hawaii full of determination and curiosity on 7 August 1943 in the middle of WWII. He grew up on a farm with his parents, Georgia & George, and his brothers, Mike, Tom & Steve in the Key Peninsula area of Pierce County. Ron's curiosity led his siblings on various adventures, like taking apart engines to see how they worked. Ron graduated from Peninsula High School in 1961. His determination carried through his first year at UW by working as a janitor in the dorms. He had dreams of becoming an engineer, which he achieved when he graduated from UW and was employed by the Department of the Navy at NUWES at Keyport, Wa., until his retirement in 1997. Ron also achieved his Professional Engineering status as an Electrical Engineer in 1971. During his career Ron worked on underwater acoustical weapons test ranges and software engineering in Hawaii, Canada, San Diego, as well as NUWES. Ron represented NUWES on Budget Committees as a Program Manager in Washington, for a period of time. While working as an engineer in San Diego, Ron went to school at night to achieve an MBA in Management. During the 1980's Ron & his brothers established Gillis Brothers Trucking, a log trucking business operated by his brothers, while Ron continued to work as an Engineer for NUWES. During his 34 year career Ron received numerous commendations and recognition. He was acknowledged for providing a strong positive influence, being the impetus of many innovative and creative ideas, and providing steady temperate leadership towards all.

Ron curiosity and determination led him on many adventures. He scuba dived in the Puget Sound and Hawaii. He went elk and deer hunting in eastern Washington, Canada, Wyoming and Hawaii. Ron made two trips to Africa to hunt for big game. Ron fished on a lobster boat in Maine, as well as salmon fishing, crabbing & shrimping in Puget Sound and Hood Canal. He loved being with friends out on the water or in the water.

Ron grew up solving problems and being curious about engines and electronics. In the early 1970's Ron bought property in Poulsbo with the plans to build his dream house with the woman of his dreams. After his retirement without having met his dream woman, he built the house in 2003, hoping that like the movie "Field of Dreams", she would show up. Unfortunately, during the house building Ron started experiencing some unusual symptoms. After the house was completed, Ron was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2003. He learned all that he could about the disease and was optimistic about his long term quality of life, as well as the possibility of a cure. Two years later Ron reconnected with an old friend for the late 1960's, Lana Johnson Daugherty. It turned out that Lana was the woman of his dreams. They married in 2006 and shared a life together, supporting each other, making the dream house into their home, traveling to Europe and sharing friends. As his Parkinson's Disease progressed, they worked as a team to research and experiment with alternative ways to maintain Ron's quality of life. In the end many issues were making it difficult for Ron to function. He maintained his determination and positive attitude, despite frustration. He gave unconditional love and respect to everyone without judging people. Ron & Lana created their beautiful love story together, only wishing that they had had more time together. Ron was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Ron is survived by his wife, Lana Johnson Gillis, as well as his stepdaughter, (Debbie Tran) and son-in-law (Thao Tran) and step grandchildren (Taylor Tran and Wesley Tran). He is survived by his brother, Mike Gillis, in North Carolina and wife, Genevive, and two nephews, Chris & Scott Gillis. Ron is also survived by his brother, Tom Gillis, of Indianola, his wife, Roberta, and two nephews, Joe Gillis & Milo Gillis, and a niece, Amy Rae. Ron his preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Gillis.