Victor Gilliland

Vic Gilliland, long-time professor of the biological sciences and known as Big Bend marathon runner and national cyclist, passed away June 28, 2025, after battling a long-term illness with courage, integrity and perseverance. He was 90. 

Vic was nearly born in Peru. His dad, a medical doctor, and his mother, a nurse, had served as medical missionaries for seven years. On Sept. 17, 1934, Vic and his twin brother, Vince, were born in the Hollywood Hospital, joining their other two brothers. 

The Gilliland brothers attended and graduated from Huntington Park High School. They all lettered in track and cross country, as Vic was a long-distance runner. Vic was active in the Boy Scouts and played the clarinet in the 100-Member City Sheriff Band. By invitation, all four brothers participated in the Rose Parade on New Year's Eve for many years. 

Attending one year of college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Vic majored in dairy husbandry and lettered in cross country track. He transferred to Occidental College, joining his three brothers. He graduated with a degree in biological science. Vic and his brothers lettered four years on the track team with legendary coach Peyton Jordan. 

From 1957 to 1963, Vic was drafted by the United States Army, proudly serving his country as a medic, company clerk, and a member of the U.S. Army track team at Fort Lewis and Fort Ord. 

Vic returned to college, receiving his master's degree in biology from Humboldt State University. He then entered Michigan State University to study Limnology. He discovered his dream job when his professor sent him to Point Barrow, Alaska. A bush pilot flew him over the frozen tundra north of Alaska to collect and analyze the chemistry of the tundra lakes. The Inuit families of Anaktuvuk Pass, located in the Brooks Range, helped Vic build his igloo. He rode dog sleds and seal hunted at 35 degrees below zero. 

Vic volunteered for t12 years as an advisor to the Clean Air Authority of Grant County, as well as an advisor to the Grant County Shoreline Management. He coached track at Chief Moses Junior High for two years and then at Big Bend Community College. He coached youth soccer and was a scout leader. 

Vic loved the outdoors beginning at an early age. At age 18, he climbed Mt. Whitney, 14,500 feet, and at the end hiked 235 miles on the John Muir Trail in the Sierras. Other memorable climbs were the Middle Teton at 12,500 feet, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Stuart. He hiked from the North to the South rim of the Grand Canyon in two days with Rod Newcomb, a college roommate. As a geologist he dug for sapphires and garnets in Idaho and had beautiful jewelry made. Vic was an avid fly fisherman of steelhead and salmon on the Columbia River and in the Methow Valley. 

Vic was awarded the Inland Empire Athlete of the Year representing Washington, Idaho and Montana in 1957. 

At the age of 39, a friend challenged Vic to run a marathon in Cheney, Wash. He went on to run 37 marathons, including Boston, and was named All American twice. He ran the Gap to Gap, Ridge to River, Bloomsday, Moses Lake Spring Festival and Canal Capers, always placing in the top three of his age group. He prepared for these races by running 100 miles per week. He also participated in 25 biathlons and duathlons.  

Vic took up cycling and was a member of the Chinook Cycling Club and the Badlands Club. He cycled 25-30 miles per day to prepare for competition. At the Nike World's Master Games, he placed sixth overall. At the U.S. Federal Masters National Competition, he placed 10th, earning the honor as a National Cyclist. 

On Aug. 12, 2003, Vic’s life was completely transformed in a bike accident during a time trial. The trauma to his spinal cord from the impact resulted in complete paralysis. A neurosurgeon told him he would never walk again. Due to his faith, prayers and perseverance, he walked again. Quitting is not a word in Vic’s vocabulary, nor an option; only positive thinking and his trust in God. 

At his retirement after 37 years at Big Bend Community College, Vic was awarded the Emeritus Award by the faculty and Board of Trustees for his dedication, devotion and excellence as a professor of science. 

Vic met Kathryn Smith through a mutual friend and their friendship developed into a beautiful love story and marriage. They were married in Kauai in 2010. They attended many concerts together, including Santana, Michael Bublé, Elton John, Shania Twain, and the Beach Boys. They also enjoyed yearly trips to Kauai, cruises, and spending time with family and friends. 

Preceding Vic in death are his parents, Dr. Roy and Sue Gilliland, Dr. Bruce Gilliland, Dr. Vincent Gilliland, Kenneth Gilliland and Keith Gilliland. 

He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Kathryn. Daughters Dr. Kathryn Gilliland (Scott Springate) and Stephanie Endler (Greg), bonus sons Britt Smith and Craig Smith (Yohanna), sisters-in-law Marren Gilliland, Gina Gilliland, Lynnai Gilliland, and Myrna Warner, grandchildren Brianna Smith, Makayla Smith, Alex Endler and Isaac Endler, and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Vic’s life will be held Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake. 

    Cycling, hiking, mountain climbing and outdoor adventures in general were a passion for Vic Gilliland.