Dick Gillies

Dick Gillies, 91, of Lincoln, passed away Friday, November 2, 2018 at MidMichigan Medical Center, Alpena. Born November 13, 1926 to Donald and Isabelle (Ormerod) Gillies in Detroit, he was raised in West Branch and Lincoln.  He graduated from Oscoda High School, and attended Michigan Technological University where he was enrolled in the ROTC program.  Dick served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. On August 14, 1948, he married Ruth Basselman. Dick worked as a funeral director in Saginaw, Alpena, and Detroit, before returning to Lincoln in 1956 to purchase what is now Gillies Funeral Home.  Dick and Ruth operated the funeral home until 1984. A devoted member of his community, he was involved with the Friends of the Lincoln Depot, and was a member of the Lincoln DDA. He was a former member of the ACCOA Board of Directors, and of the Alcona Lodge #292 F & AM.  He was a member of New Life Lutheran Church, and was a longtime friend of Bill W. Dick is survived by his son, Rich (Mary) Gillies of Barton City, two grandchildren, Sara (Aaron) Healy of Lincoln, and Jeff (Marilee) Brooks Gillies of Indianapolis, IN, four great grandchildren, Henrik and Ethan Healy and Ezra and Hazel Brooks Gillies, two sisters-in-law, Leora Gillard of Lincoln, and Arden Basselman of Barton City, as well several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth on December 12, 2010, and his daughter, Sharon Ellis on February 13, 2007. Dick is at Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln, where friends may call on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M.  Visitation will continue on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 from 12:00 P.M. until the funeral service at 1:00 P.M. Rev. Christina Bright and Rev. Laraine Sundin will officiate.  Burial will be in Twin Lakes Cemetery, Lincoln. Memorial donations are suggested to Friends of the Lincoln Depot, the Alcona County Commission on Aging, or to the New Life Lutheran Church.   To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dick Gillies, please visit our flower store.