Gilbert Leroy Thomason

Gilbert Leroy Thomason, age 77, of Galice, Oregon died Friday, March 4, 2011 at his home.

Gil was born December 2, 1933 in Hawthorne, California. In 1966 he married Mary Lou Nelson and they each brought three children to the marriage. Gil brought Debra, Rick, and Tina and Mary Lou brought Debbie, Cliff, and Julie.

While living in California they owned and operated a coffee shop, “Gil’s Coffee Pot.” In 1972 they wanted a more rural life and moved to Williams, Oregon where they worked at the Water Hole in Murphy for a year before Gil managed the Red Baron Restaurant in Grants Pass. In February 1981, the family made the move to buy the Galice Resort.

Gil loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and crabbing at the coast with friends and family. He was an active member of the Grants Pass Moose Lodge in Merlin. His favorite times were spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gil is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; children, Cliff, Debbie, Julie, Rick, and Tina; grandchildren, Lake, Chloe, Paige, Kasia, Brad, Brittany, Miranda, Jamie, Jenny, and Larry and Sammy; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Parkway Christian Center in Grants Pass.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley, 203 SE 9th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.