Harlin Wallace Gillett

Harlin Wallace Gillett, a 2 year resident of Northport, WA, passed away on August 9, 2009, in Northport at the age of 79.

He was born on July 21, 1930 in Colfax, WA the son of Harlin Weller and Inez Lorraine (Thompson) Gillett.

Harlin was raised in Moses Lake, WA and graduated from the Moses Lake High School in 1949. He then attended college during his freshman year at the Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA before joining the United States Navy. Harlin served during the Korean Conflict as a signalman. In the Navy, Harlin received several service ribbons, including the National Defense Ribbon, China Service Ribbon, United Nations Ribbon, Korean Service Ribbon and Navy Occupation Ribbon. After his honorable discharge as a Quartermaster 2nd Class in 1955, he returned to the states where he met Esther Dorothy Case, and they were married on June 26, 1957 in Boise, ID. Harlin graduated from the Northrop Aeronautical Institute in California with his engineering degree. He moved to Colville in 1980 and retired from Alcoa in 1991.

Harlin loved spending time outdoors, which meant many weekends camping with his family. He also loved to travel, especially long drives to experience new parts of the country. Harlin was a star gazer, and could spend hours on a clear night looking at the stars. He loved spending time at car shows and swap meets. Harlin loved life and loved people, and his infamous stories and jokes will be remembered for years to come.

Harlin was preceded in death by his wife Esther Gillett in January 2002. He is survived by his son; Richard Gillett and his wife Melody of Republic, WA; his daughter Connie Hamlin and her husband Darin of Elk, WA; his son Jay Gillett and his wife Trish of Spokane, WA; his 3 grandchildren David Hamlin and his wife Heather, Matthew Gillett and Spencer Gillett; his sister Beverly Lee and her husband Douglas of Spokane, WA; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends and acquaintances.

There will be a private family service for Harlin Gillett at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guest book at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. The Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Colville, WA is entrusted with arrangements.