Kerry Stephen Gillen, age 61, passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 12, 2012 due to complications after surgery. Kerry was born in Delta, Utah on February 20, 1951, to Elmo Styler and Iris Irene Gillen. He grew up in Oasis, Utah, and attended schools in Delta. He married Charlene Ray on February 4, 1994 in Copperton, Utah.
People looked up to Kerry. He was Char’s “Gentle Giant.” He was a loving, caring, thoughtful son to his mother and father. He was Dad to Cory and Grandpa to Lucian. He was big brother to Jacqueline (Daniel) Schenck, Stephanie (Vic) Crusselle, Jill (Donn) Denicke, Ricky Gillen, Gregory Gillen and Michelle (Earl) Johnson. He was “Stretch” to many good friends.
Kerry was preceded in death by his Dad and three brothers; his first born baby brother, Ricky,and Gregory.
Kerry worked for 37 years at Kennecott Copper Corporation (Rio Tinto) as a mechanic. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his vegetables and fruits with friends and family. He loved hunting deer and pheasants with his Dad, and riding motorcycles. He was looking forward to renovating his classic Cushman Scooter. He hated milking the cows and chopping out foxtail. He got a kick out of nature; he appreciated with fascination the ‘little things’ in life. He had a tender and caring heart and would jump at any chance to help anyone, anytime.
Kerry was not ready to leave us. He fought and struggled and endured again and again for months to get well. No surprise, though, because anyone who knows Kerry knows he always had the most difficult time saying goodbye. So, let’s just say “be seeing you again soon.”
A memorial service was held Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 2:00 PM at the Oasis Cemetery.