On Saturday, October 26, Charles A. Gilland, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 86 in Colorado Springs.
A Colorado Springs native, Chuck was born on September 12, 1933, the eighth of nine children. Chuck was blessed to meet his true love, Janice J. Weiss, early in life, and the two married on his 19th birthday in 1952.
Soon after their wedding, Chuck was drafted into the U.S. Army, trained at Fort Ord in California before shipping out to serve in the Korean War. He was assigned to maintain the military vehicles. He rose quickly to the rank of Master Sergeant and was honorably discharged. Chuck had a knack for creative problem-solving and a keen attention to detail. Fixing or improving machines and systems of all types came naturally to him.
After completing his service duties, Chuck and Jan settled back in Colorado Springs, where their only child, Larry, was born.
Chuck attended both Blair Business College and El Paso Community College (now Pikes Peak Community College). He worked at Shepard’s/McGraw-Hill for 45, years beginning as a Printer Apprentice and ultimately working his way up to become the Director of Manufacturing.
Once he retired, Chuck always found time to appreciate the Colorado outdoors, and he especially loved golfing and fishing. He and Jan enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going out to eat, and traveling. Over the course of their 67 year marriage, they saw much of the United States by car or cruise ship.
Chuck loved Jan deeply, and he always wanted to make sure she was taken care of. He was enduring in this devotion through the end, passing away only 48 days after her death.
Chuck was resilient and steadfast all his life, fighting through colon cancer, bladder cancer, and COPD, but he was never without a quick joke, a warm handshake, or a genuine offer to help you in any way he could.
He will be remembered always for his bright sense of humor, his love of life, and the kindness he unfailingly showed his family, friends, and neighbors.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his parents, James Robert Gilland and Marie Gilland (Belt); his brothers, Gene, Bobby, and Jay; and his sister, Marcella. He is survived by his son, Larry (wife, Mary); his granddaughter, Heather (husband, Jason); and his sisters Ivy, Rosie, Elly, and Carolyn.
A celebration of life service will be held to honor both Chuck and Jan at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to First United Methodist Church or Pikes Peak Hospice.
The obituary for Janice Gilland can be found here: https://www.shrineofremembrance.com/janice-joan-gilland-september-8-2019/
Teri Vogan
4 Nov 2019To the Gilland family…..please accept these words of condolence for such a wonderful man. I met Chuck while working at Shepards, and though I didn’t work in his department; I was fortunate to get to know him through the dept I was in. An ethical man…a kind and mentoring person who treated everyone with respect. He will be missed…..
Mary Gilland
8 Nov 2019Teri – thank you so much for the kind words. We are hearing a lot about the impact he made on people’s lives at Shepards.
Al Sellers
4 Nov 2019All who knew Chuck will miss this fine gentleman. He was an inspiration as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. God bless you, Chuck.
Mary and Larry
6 Nov 2019Thank you for the kind words Al
Jan Brown
11 Nov 2019Many fond memories of Chuck and Janice, wonderful Bridger Drive neighbors and friends. Jan Brown
Mark S Webb
8 Dec 2019Chuck was a great neighbor and friend. I am lucky to have known him.