Donald Philip “Don” Gillespie
February 10th, 1943 - July 13th, 2024
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Don's Obituary
Donald Philip Gillespie was born on February 10, 1943, to his loving parents Marjorie and William Gillespie. His birth completed their family of five including older siblings Stanton and Zoe Ann.
Much of his younger life was spent in the southwestern United States where his parents taught school in California, Arizona, and Texas at various Seventh-Day Adventist schools.
He attended Lodi Academy for his high school years and then Pacific Union College for his undergraduate studies, earning a degree in Social Work. He worked for a number of years as a Clinical Social Worker, using his professional expertise to help countless other people through difficult times in their lives. He eventually furthered his studies, earning a PhD in Sociology from Western Michigan University. He then stepped into academia, teaching sociology at both Pacific Union College and Andrews University. Eventually he moved into hospital administration and worked at Lakeland as the Director of Rehabilitation for many years. Later, he continued to work as a hospital administrator at both Foote Hospital and Sparrow Hospital before returning to his social work roots. He finally retired after working as a Social Worker once more at Lakeland and at Riverwood.
He married his loving wife and friend Sharon Fillner on June 28, 1964, in Sacramento, California. They were married for 60 years and raised 2 children together, Thomas and Cara. Don was a loving and supportive father to Tom and Cara, participating in countless 4-H projects and shows with his children. In 2000, Don became a grandfather when Katherine was born. She was an only grandchild until 2006 when Jackson was born. Bella joined the beloved circle of grandchildren in 2009. Don and Sharon spent many hours at band concerts, games, recitals, and track meets delighting in their grandchildren.
In the latter half of his life, Don found solace and meaning in the Episcopal Church, eventually becoming a confirmed member. He was a longtime and active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph, and later of St. Augustine of Canterbury in Benton Harbor. His faith and the love, friendship, and support of members of both parishes were treasured and invaluable to him.
Don passed into the loving arms of Jesus on July 13, 2024, at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marjorie, his brother Stanton, and his sister Zoe. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Tom and Cara, his son in law Mike Sladen-York, and his grandchildren Katherine, Jackson, and Bella, and the beloved chosen family of Bob and Jenny Van de Warker and their children and grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph, MI on Sunday, July 21 at 2pm. All are welcome to celebrate his life and the promise of resurrection with us at that time.
If you would like to make a gift in memory and honor of Don, the family has asked that gifts be directed to the Caring Circle of Corewell Health, Hospice and Palliative Care. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.
Much of his younger life was spent in the southwestern United States where his parents taught school in California, Arizona, and Texas at various Seventh-Day Adventist schools.
He attended Lodi Academy for his high school years and then Pacific Union College for his undergraduate studies, earning a degree in Social Work. He worked for a number of years as a Clinical Social Worker, using his professional expertise to help countless other people through difficult times in their lives. He eventually furthered his studies, earning a PhD in Sociology from Western Michigan University. He then stepped into academia, teaching sociology at both Pacific Union College and Andrews University. Eventually he moved into hospital administration and worked at Lakeland as the Director of Rehabilitation for many years. Later, he continued to work as a hospital administrator at both Foote Hospital and Sparrow Hospital before returning to his social work roots. He finally retired after working as a Social Worker once more at Lakeland and at Riverwood.
He married his loving wife and friend Sharon Fillner on June 28, 1964, in Sacramento, California. They were married for 60 years and raised 2 children together, Thomas and Cara. Don was a loving and supportive father to Tom and Cara, participating in countless 4-H projects and shows with his children. In 2000, Don became a grandfather when Katherine was born. She was an only grandchild until 2006 when Jackson was born. Bella joined the beloved circle of grandchildren in 2009. Don and Sharon spent many hours at band concerts, games, recitals, and track meets delighting in their grandchildren.
In the latter half of his life, Don found solace and meaning in the Episcopal Church, eventually becoming a confirmed member. He was a longtime and active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph, and later of St. Augustine of Canterbury in Benton Harbor. His faith and the love, friendship, and support of members of both parishes were treasured and invaluable to him.
Don passed into the loving arms of Jesus on July 13, 2024, at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marjorie, his brother Stanton, and his sister Zoe. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Tom and Cara, his son in law Mike Sladen-York, and his grandchildren Katherine, Jackson, and Bella, and the beloved chosen family of Bob and Jenny Van de Warker and their children and grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph, MI on Sunday, July 21 at 2pm. All are welcome to celebrate his life and the promise of resurrection with us at that time.
If you would like to make a gift in memory and honor of Don, the family has asked that gifts be directed to the Caring Circle of Corewell Health, Hospice and Palliative Care. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.
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