John Clyde Gillham, 91, passed away on Oct. 31, 2020.

John was born at home on the family ranch in Mackay, Idaho in 1929.

John served as a Petty Officer in the Navy from 1947 until 1950. He was a gunner’s mate in charge of his gun turret. He was stationed aboard the USS Helena during its Asiatic Pacific and China Service tours. The Korean War began while he was anchored on the Yangtze River in China.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, he began working in the logging industry in Prineville, Oregon. He moved to Grays Harbor in 1960 to drive truck for Mayr Brothers Logging Company. He remained there until his retirement after 30 years.

John married Marion (Williams) Nulf on his birthday in 1964. They remained happily married for 56 years until his death.

He had a long retirement, shared with his wife, Marion and a close group of friends. They spent most summers camping and fishing and winters in the sun at their home in Yuma, Arizona.

A lifelong fisherman, John was known for his love of the outdoors. Friends and family knew him to be “as honest as the day is long.” He was also known for his sense of humor and shared jokes until the end. John was a loyal and valued friend

John is predeceased by his brothers Keith and Henry and by his son Arthur.

John is survived by his wife Marion, who remains at the family home, and daughter Michelle Townsend of Bend, Oregon with his son-in-law, Thomas. He is also survived by his granddaughter Angelique Harner, his great-grandaughter Mikhaila Eberwein, and nephews Jerry, Glen and James Miller.

Due to COVID restrictions, the family is not planning a memorial at this time.