ARNOLD C. GILLEY, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2002 at his home in Bellingham. He was 84 years of age. He was born on August 8, 1917 in Mountain Grove, Missouri, the son of Emmit and Tanna Gilley. Arn was a residential and commercial contractor. He started Gilley Construction in 1950 and their sons joined the company in the 1960’s. Gilley Construction built over 350 custom homes located in Skagit, King, Island, Snohomish and Whatcom counties. His son Bruce remained with the company and his son Kim became a building inspector for the city of Mount Vernon. Kim passed away in November of 1999. Arn was an avid hunter, fisherman, and bowler. While residing in Skagit County he was a member of the Burlington Lutheran Church and served on the church board. Arn wanted to say ‘bye for now’ to his many friends. ‘I will miss you and see you in Heaven later’. Please do not cry, I am happy, at peace, free of pain and with my Heavenly Father, God.
Arn is survived by his wife Marge at the family home. 1 son, Bruce Gilley. 2 daughters, Tanna Gilley-Devisscher and her husband Denny and Lisa Gilley Chase and her husband Chris. 1 granddaughter, Karen Elashkar her husband Chuck.
His daughter-in-law, Tracie Gilley and her daughter, Chayse. Arn’s relatives in Mountain Grove, Missouri, 4 sisters, Sylvia, Ruby, Wanda, Doris, 2 brothers; Afton, Charles and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Melvin.
Arn was cared for by his doctors, nurses, social services and Hospice of Whatcom County. We are so grateful and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Memorials are suggested to Whatcom Hospice, 600 Birchwood Ave. #200 Bellingham, WA 98225.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 21. 2002 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Share your thoughts and memories of Arn in the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.