Gilbert Richard Carrigan

November 6, 1934 ~ January 13, 2013

Gilbert Carrigan passed away in Richland, Washington on January 13, 2013 at the age of 78 years.

Gil was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Carrigan and Ethel Carrigan, and his older brother, Lloyd Carrigan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria, and his three children, Dawn Carrigan, Mark Carrigan, and Tim Carrigan (spouse Katie); two grandchildren, Natalie and Olivia Carrigan; his brother, Pete Carrigan (spouse Jeanette), and his sister-in-law, Shirley Carrigan (spouse Lloyd). In addition to many relatives, Gil leaves behind countless friends from around the country.

Gil was born in Hinckley, Minnesota on November 6, 1934, the middle child in a family of three brothers. He grew up in Northeast Minnesota, raised by his mother, Ethel, and he grew up surrounded by a close-knit extended family. His fondest childhood memories were of time spent with his family, helping on the farm and playing with his brothers and cousins. Gil enjoyed playing sports and was a talented athlete. He lettered all four years of high school in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He was also involved in many other activities including drama, choir, and his church.

Following high school Gil joined the United States Navy and served his country for four years between 1955 and 1959. He enjoyed experiencing shipboard life and traveling the world, including ports and cities of Europe. He spoke fondly of his military service and adventures visiting many countries and engaging with people of different cultures.

Upon returning to Hinckley in 1958 after his military service he married Gloria Mae Eliason, and they begin their new life in St. Paul, Minnesota. While in Minnesota, Gil and Gloria welcomed their three children into the world. The family later moved to Missoula, Montana, where Gil completed an apprenticeship for journeyman millwright. Following his studies he worked at the pulp mill for the next eleven years. Gil enjoyed his time in Montana, raising his family and spending time with friends. He was active in his church and played golf, and city league basketball and softball. He loved spending summer vacations camping and sightseeing with his family, and visiting his extended family and friends in Minnesota.

In 1975, the family moved to Kennewick, Washington where Gil began working at Hanford. During his long commute to and from work he heard advertisements for a new planned development, Desert Aire. It took only minutes touring the area on the shores of the Columbia River for he and Gloria to know they had found their new home. In 1977, Gil and Gloria purchased a lot on the 7th fairway of the golf course, and three years later they broke ground on their new house. Over the next year, Gil and Gloria spent every available moment building their home. Successfully finishing the home was one of Gil's proudest moments, and he took great pleasure in adding to it and updating it in the years to come. Gil spent the next thirty-three years in Desert Aire, during which time he established many lasting friendships. He served on the Desert Aire Board of Directors, was a founding member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the Desert Aire golf course.

Gil is lovingly remembered for his enduring love and devotion for his wife and his relationships with his children, granddaughters, family and the many friends he made during his 78 years.

The family would like to thank the numerous charitable contributions in Gil's honor to the Riverside Presbyterian Church of Desert Aire. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Riverside Presbyterian Church.