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Earl and Edna Gillis
Photo provided by Pat Clock
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The following is from the program produced for Mr. Gillis' memorial service:
(Quote from the school newspaper at Benson Tech when Earl was a senior. "You can be sure if caught up to by Earl Gillis, you will be captured with laughter by any one of his many stories.")
Earl R. Gillis was born the son of Angus and Anna Helen Marie (Strutz) Gillis on Monday, July 13, 1914, in Portland, OR, the fourth of five children. He attended Beach Elementary School and high school at Benson Tech in Portland where he graduated in 1933 with an Athletic Scholarship. Earl was All-City guard in football as well as light heavyweight champion in wrestling. Recruited to Linfield College in McMinnville with athletic scholarships in football and wrestling, he played varsity tackle for three years and, his senior year, was line and wrestling coach. Earl was Pacific Coast Heavy Weight Collegiate All-School Champion in sports. In 1940 he graduated with Bachelor of Science and Masters Degrees in Education.
In 1942, Earl enlisted with the U.S. Navy where he drew plans and instructed classes in fighting Battleship Fires. As gunnery instructor for the WAVES he volunteered to teach Small Arms Gunnery to the first black American sailors. He said, "I lost what I thought was a good friend by this decision. I was never sorry."
Earl married Edna Lois Vannice on August 15, 1936 in Halsey. They came to Newberg in 1945 when he was hired by Newberg High School as PE instructor and Coach for football, wrestling and track. He was also School Dean of Boys. In 1951 he became Principal of Newberg High School and was Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services from 1955 until his retirement in 1973. Earl was honored to be the 6th man in Oregon entered into the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He took wrestling teams to different countries and received recognition from several including the Korean Amateur Wrestling Federation and was given the Key to the City of Buson, Korea.
Throughout his professional lifetime, he received many awards including Distinguished Service Award from the Junior Chamber of Commerce; Special Education Teachers Plaque; Citizen's Award from the Newberg Chamber of Commerce; the Mamie Campbell Award from the Portland Audubon Society. Earl and Edna were honored by having the Earl and Edna Gillis Scholarship Fund Foundation formed recently. During 1963-1964 he was instrumental in Yamhill County acquiring its first Mental Health Clinic. He was a member of the Newberg Masonic Lodge #104 and First United Methodist Church of Newberg. Earl served as an officer of the Hubert Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project and had the good fortune to have Hubert Prescott as his mentor. He wrote for many wildlife publications, as well as the Audobon Society.
At age 30 he began to play the bagpipes with mentor, Colin MacRae, and played in the Highland Games, schools, shows, and family outings. Earl was a Historian and he and Edna traveled extensively. He was a collector of Indian Artifacts, Celtic History and loved inane humor. Earl was a gentleman and wonderful role model for his family as well as everyone he came in contact with. He was always FAIR TO ALL PEOPLE and often commented, "It was easy. My parents told me who I was and what was expected, and there was never a doubt in my mind as to what was the right thing to do." His great love was family and helping children.
On Saturday, November 11, 1995, Earl Gillis died at his home when he was 81 years, 3 months and 29 days of age.
Surviving are a brother, George Gillis, Port Angeles, WA; sister-in-law, Diann Gillis, Portland; brother,-in-law Bill Schorzman, Rupert, ID; eight nephews and nieces including Gary Schorzman who was living with him at the time of his death; and those who have come to know and appreciate him where he has lived and taught. On July 27, 1993, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edna. Also preceding him were his parents, brothers, John Raymond and Angus Daniel; and sister, Margaret Louise Gillis-Schorzman.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Earl and Edna Gillis Scholarship Foundation or Hubert Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project in care of Attrell's Newberg Chapel, 207 Vill Road, Newberg, OR 97132.
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