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Larry Wayne Gilman

Larry Wayne Gilman was born July 25, 1938, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Wayne and Zetta Gilman. He grew up in Ogden, Utah, and later, the family moved to Auburn, Calif. As a teen, he was encouraged by local authorities to join the military after he stole a truck with a friend and crossed the state line for a joy ride (he was always up for a challenge or adventure).

He graduated from Placer County High School in 1956. Shortly after, he joined the Navy and then moved on to serve in the Air Force. He married Ilona Sharon McCrary in 1958. They settled in Dixon, Calif., and had three beautiful daughters: Cristy, Michele and Babette. He worked at UC Davis and in a TV repair shop, and also served as a volunteer firefighter. We enjoyed another side of him when he befriended a pet crow that sat on his shoulder while he read the Sunday paper.

In 1968, he moved his family to Coeur d’Alene, where they could enjoy the quality of life the small town had to offer. His sense of adventure led to a memorable trip up to Coeur d’Alene Look Out in a little Karmann Ghia, stuffed with the whole family, including our black lab, Babe.

After a few years with GTE, Dad was self-employed the rest of his life. He started in well drilling and soon started his own pump installation business. Larry loved flying. He earned his instrument-rated, private pilot’s license and flew for a mining company in Montana and also for a company in Alaska, spotting fish. He continued to fly recreationally into his late 60s.

A man of many talents throughout his life, he pursued many different business and real estate endeavors, finding success and friendships as he went. For a little more challenge, he decided to become a bail bondsman for several years. He, his wife and his parents owned, managed and lived in River City Village for over 35 years.

Dad was a visionary, often adopting technologies earlier than most, and had a genuine love and amazement for new gadgets and new discoveries. He had a piercing, steady gaze, and a real, hearty laugh. He was thoughtful and carefully spoken. When he spoke with you he engaged in a deep and meaningful way, asking questions and offering thoughtful input. He was willing to help those he saw in need. He took risks and loved the challenges of life in an ambitious way. He was a problem solver. He was a husband, a mentor, a friend, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather, who left an everlasting impact on those who came into his family and social circles. As one friend put it, “Larry cast a huge ripple in the pond of life.”

Larry Wayne Gilman was an amazing man who lived life his way. He was dedicated to his family, his friends and his country. We love him and will miss him with our whole hearts.

Celebration service to be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, in Post Falls.