In the early hours on February 8, 2023 our beloved David, passed into another world. David packed many adventures into his short 52 years and touched many hearts. His quick wit, smile, huge generous heart endeared him to everyone in his path. David’s interest varied from writing and drawing to raising chickens and children. Many happy hours were spent at his grandparents’ place with the entire clan where David rode a horse before he walked. By age four David trained Old Don Zorro, the neighborhood horse, to behave! He devoured books as the entire Rudyard Kipling “Jungle Book” series, “Chronicles of Narnia”, and anything by Lewis Carrol. David suffered with childhood asthma so on the advice of his doctor, he engaged in sports to help develop his lungs including swimming and soccer. Athletics came easy to him as evidenced by his four home runs during the his first Little League game in Bloomington, IL. He continued with swimming and soccer into high school. Futbol (soccer to you in the US) is a family passion. He coached his daughter Lindsay’s teams which made him a hero in her eyes. David lived and attended schools in CO, AZ, IL, UT and ID graduating from Bloomington High School.
David and Laurie D Jenkins were married on April 9, 1994 in Eagle, ID. Together they raised five exceptional children; Lindsay, Evan, Hailey, Nolan, and Connor. Laurie, a software engineer, worked at various companies. Shortly after they were married, David opened his own company that was eventually sold to a national mortgage company making David Regional Manager. The family moved to Teton, ID in 2006. Laurie became a successful technology contractor. Soon, she and David opened a side business “Spurs and Spokes Saloon” in St. Anthony, ID. They both loved living in Teton with their horses, dogs, cats, chickens, children, and whoever dropped by. They loved their craftsman style 1905 home with all the rich history including the wooden floor with heel marks from David’s grandparents dancing days.
Tragically, on August 1, 2016, Laurie received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. After six months and three days of a valiant fight, she left her grieving family. When Connor finished the school year, he and David moved to Boise to join Nolan and Evan. Nick Troyer, David’s dear friend and colleague, hired him as VP of Market/Sales at an energy investment firm.
David focused on his children, especially getting Connor through high school graduation. This focus helped him fight his paralyzing depression. David, as many, self treated his depression with alcohol. His family gave him love and support during this time especially Evan and Nolan who literally saved his life. David’s entire family burst with pride and gratitude when he became sober with the help of Allumbaugh House.
David met Lisa R Wilde and went on a real date in January 2022. He called his mom to say that he felt happy for the first time in six years. David and Lisa married July 2022 bringing together two big families. As happens so often, life is unfair. David received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer on May 10, 2022. The following days brought pain, procedures, tubes, tears, and sadness. After a remarkable surgery in July, much hope was given for a good prognosis; however, tumors reappeared in December. A seven week treatment of chemo and radiation began in December. David just began week 6 when he left us.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Laurie D Jenkins Gillies, grandparents Howard and Ruby Sortor, Dan and Theo Gillies, several aunts, uncles, cousins; one special cousin John Tarbet (2022).
David is survived by his wife Lisa and her family. His children Lindsay (Ray) Jacobs and their children Kayden, Brody, Remi and Hazel Dawn, Federal Way, WA; Evan Gillies, children Zander and Selah, Boise, ID; Hailey Tom (Michael) and children Talon and Lyla, Vineyard, UT; Nolan Gillies, Boise; Connor Gillies, Minot, ND. His heartbroken parents, Judy J Gillies, Tucson, AZ and Craig and Rhonda Gillies, Mesa, AZ. Brothers, Dan (Yvonne) Gillies, Sacramento, CA; Thony (Mary Rigdon) Gillies and Robert (Annie Witte) both Tucson, AZ; Bryan (Diane) Gillies Mesa, AZ and Stephen Gillies, Tempe, AZ. Also surviving are special Aunts Bea, Sandra (Dave), Colleen (Mike) and best uncle award to Rick Sortor and Sam Magaw, best friend ever.
His family appreciates and sings praises to Dr Nielson, Dr Majithia,, St Luke’s Oncology/Radiology team and most of all to Lisa and her family for giving David care, happiness and hope.
The family requests no flowers. For those who want, please make a donation in David’s name to Allumbaugh House https://www.trhs.org/support-us/ or charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be announced later this summer.