Billy Gillham

Billy D Gillham, 92, of Chelan, WA, passed away on Friday July 28, 2023. Born April 5, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas and adopted by loving parents Luther Albert Gillham and Eva Maude Gillham (Coonfield), he lived on the family farm in Moran, Kansas until the Dust Bowl took its toll and his parents made the decision to pack up and move west in the late 1930’s. Settling in the Lake Chelan Valley, his lifelong love of the mountains and rivers he would call home began. He attended school in Chelan and was active in the Boy Scouts, sports, and building hotrods to impress the girls. In 1952, he was drafted into the US Army and served on the front lines in Korea for 18 months. The experiences of his service and the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers would mold him for the remainder of his life, and he was well known for his thoughts on the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices made by those who served before us. During his time overseas, he exchanged countless letters with a special person he called “that good looking girl back home” and carried her photo in his pocket. That good looking girl was Merry Ann Gillham (Huff) and after driving his hotrod up a rocky mountain road to propose during a family picnic they soon eloped to Post Falls, Idaho to be married at The Hitching Post on November 21, 1955. He called his beautiful bride his best friend and they held hands for 62 adventure filled years until her death on his birthday in 2018. When daughter Robin came along he was overjoyed and from that moment he knew their little family was complete. He, with Merry Ann and daughter by his side, had the time of their lives camping, fishing, archery, square dancing, snowmobiling, boating, motorcycle trips, BBQs, picnics, and traveling endless miles in their motorhome with their ever present dachshunds. He cherished his friends and tall tales were told often around the table, campfire, or front porch of their home where everyone was welcome. The laughter was plentiful and the coffee was always on. He held several jobs throughout his life including surveyor, well driller, and shipping foreman at Blue Chelan where he was known by the crew as "Uncle Billy ''. In his retirement he operated a small saw and knife sharpening business and also enjoyed working in his woodshop where he thrived on building or designing new creations. The large yard was filled with colorful wooden critters and projects he built in his beloved shop. He took pride in everything he did and expected the same of others. Always quick to lend a hand and it was unlikely he lacked any tool needed for any task and knew exactly where to find it……and return it to that precise location. He had a quick wit, mischievous smile, strong determination, an easy laugh, and a love of all things outdoors. He could whip just about anyone in a game of Cribbage and never missed a count with a clever laugh, much to many opponent’s dismay Most days in recent years he could be found relaxing in his favorite hideout chair on the deck, feeding the birds and watching for wildlife along the hill. Forever the outdoorsman. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Merry Ann, his parents, Luther and Eva, and friends he missed dearly in his quiet way. Billy is survived by his daughter, Robin Gillham of Chelan, WA. A special thanks to all his neighbors, caregivers, and friends who became family for all the love and kindness given so freely over the years. Graveside service and military honors will take place at 11:00am Friday, September 15, 2023 at Riverview Cemetery, 401 Riverview Cemetery Road, Chelan, WA. A gathering to celebrate a life well lived will follow at Heritage Heights, 505 E Highland Ave, Chelan beginning at 1:30pm. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Billy Gillham

April 5, 1931 - July 28, 2023