Richard "Rich" Gilman
July 26, 2015
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Service Details
Richard “Rich” Gilman, 70, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Kavanagh on 56th.
Rich was born October 27, 1944 in Omaha, Nebraska to Russell and Ruth Gilman. He graduated from Urbandale High School in 1962 and attended Grand View College and Drake University. Rich served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He worked in the sales and advertising industry most of his life, retiring in 2010 after 10 years with the Iowa Cubs. Rich brought joy as Santa Claus for 36 years, visiting friend’s homes, hospitals and various charities including On With Life and Child Serve. He also lit the big Christmas tree at Nollen Plaza for 10 years.
Rich is survived by his loving wife, Mary Gilman; children, John (Mellisa) Gilman, Angela (Tim) O’Donnell and Russell Gilman; grandchildren, Jessica Priddy, Bailey O’Donnell, Riley O’Donnell and Kalley O’Donnell; and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Reese.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2015, with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 31st at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Special Olympics, On With Life or St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mark Pierce
07/31/2015
Mary and family, I am saddened by Rich's passing but have comfort that he is in a better place. He was a lot of fun and I know he loved his family very much. I was reminded how proud he was of his grand children every time he requested a DVD of all their big games :)
Frank Vivone
07/30/2015
Hello Russ, I am sorry about your Dad.
Lynne-Bob Ramsey
07/29/2015
Mary, so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He always stopped and chatted with me whenever I saw him at the Cubs or the grocery store. He was great guy and I was lucky to work with and know him for almost 40 years.
Lynn Lawrence
07/29/2015
So very sorry for your loss.
Joe-Dene Mullen
07/29/2015
Mary, so sorry for your loss. Your entire family has my deepest sympathies.
Mike Bell
07/28/2015
Russ, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Shirley & Ric Galvin
07/28/2015
I had the pleasure to work with Rich for many years in the cable industry. My husband and two sons knew him as Santa over ten years. He was a very special person to our family. A fine, stand up guy. You will be missed Rich.
Dick Tinder
07/28/2015
Rich and I were buddies in high school and for a few years after. We knew him as "Hobie", a character played by Robert Culp in the TV western "Trackdown". He and I spent a few summers scooping the loop in Des Moines and hanging out at the Chili King on Hickman Road. Rich stood up with me at my wedding and transported me and my bride, Jannes Nelson, in his English Ford Prefect, to the place where we'd hidden our car.
Rich and I shared a love for automobiles of all kinds. When he worked for a time for Dave Ostrem Imports in downtown Des Moines, he called to let me know that Ostrem had told the sales staff to get rid of two Austin Cooper 1275 S sedans (the original "Mini Cooper") that were then in storage. He and I spent a morning test-driving one around the city, and I ended up owning one.
We lost track of one another over the years, but I remember him and the times we had together very fondly. With my genuine condolences, Dick Tinder
Ted & Debbie (West) Prine
07/28/2015
Debbie and I were sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Debbie introduced me to Rich at an I-Cubs game. We always stopped by to talk to him at the many games we attended. He was a real gentleman.
Ron
07/28/2015
To the family of Rich,
As a season ticket holder at the I-Cubs for many years it was always a pleasure to visit with Rich. He would make you forget the trials of the day making everyone feel at home when attending the I-Cubs !
My sympathy to your family .