Gilbert Delgran Hice

Gilbert Delgran Hice was born the third son of Gilric Delgran Hice and Louise Marie (Laiminger) Hice in Paonia, Colorado Nov 27, 1919 during one of the worst snowstorms in the area’s history. He graduated from Paonia High School and went on to graduate from Ross Business College in Grand Junction, Colorado where he earned a degree in Office Administration. He met his beloved wife of 66 years while there and married her after their graduation.

Shortly thereafter, he began a long and distinguished military career by first serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. His career took him and his family to a number of interesting and even exotic locations all over the world. One of his earliest assignments was to Camp White near Medford, Oregon. He and his wife never forgot their time in Oregon and chose to make this area their home after his retirement in 1968. They finally found their retirement home, moving here in 1969 from his final assignment at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.

Gilbert is survived by three of his four children, Linda (Hice) Shepard, Thomas Hice, and Gib Hice, all from the area. He has 11 surviving grand children and 2 great grandchildren. His grandson Thomas Hice, his son William and his wife Helen preceded him in death.

His greatest joy in life was his family and home. He had a deep and abiding faith in God that provided him comfort and support during his own chronic illness and the loss of family and friends over the years. He was adamant that his family and friends understood how much he loved and cared for them and was especially concerned that his loving caregivers, Elaine, Wendy and Julie know how much he appreciated the kindness and care that they provided to both him and his wife.

Gilbert was an expert marksman and a skilled hunter and fisherman. He loved gold mining, reading (poetry and the Bible were favorites), good food and drink, and visiting with family and friends. He is greatly loved and respected, and will be missed deeply.

A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2007 at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to St. Vincent DePaul, PO Box 1672, Grants Pass, OR 97526.