Lloyd E Gilliland

Lloyd E. Gilliland passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the age of 90 of complications from chronic heart disease. At the time of his death, he was a resident of the Benedictine Living Community in Duluth, Minnesota. Lloyd will truly be missed by those who knew and loved him. He was a gentleman from another era— polite, friendly, and with an endearing habit of greeting strangers just to wish them a good day. People jokingly called him the “nicest guy in the building,” which made him laugh.

Lloyd was born August 9, 1934, in Cooter, Missouri, to parents William J. and Allie P. Gilliland (née Gray). He was raised in the Bootheel area of Missouri along with his nine brothers and sisters. During his youth, he worked seasonally as an itinerant farmhand to help support the family. With barely a high school education, he and a few of his siblings, left the cotton fields and traveled west to California to find a better life. At age 17, he landed a job at the University of California, Davis, as a delivery boy. Soon after, he signed on to become a volunteer fireman. It was there in Davis that he met Marion Hatfield, who was literally “the girl next door” to the house where he was living at the time. They became engaged and were married in the spring of 1956. They spent 63 wonderful years together. 

Lloyd was a proud veteran of the US Army. He enlisted in 1957 and served active duty for two years as an Army Medic at the Presidio in San Francisco, California. His favorite story, told to anyone who would listen, was about the time he spent a two-day train ride with Elvis Presley, who was also newly enlisted, on their way to Basic Training. After his Army service, Lloyd returned to the University of California, Davis, campus and resumed his career as a fire fighter, where in a relatively short time he rose through the ranks to Fire Chief. During his tenure as a first responder, Lloyd was instrumental in helping lead the fire department though three decades of growth and changes, including establishing an ambulance service, designing and acquiring specialized fire equipment and vehicles, and implementing advanced training and hiring practices. 

After Lloyd retired in 1987, he was able to spend more time doing the things he loved like gardening, horseback riding, hunting, camping, fishing and, most importantly, visiting with friends and family. In 2008, Lloyd and Marion moved to Drain, a small town in central Oregon, where they enjoyed the solitude of their home in the forest. Marion passed away in 2019. Two years later, Lloyd moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be closer to family. In 2022, he moved with his son and daughter-in-law to Duluth, Minnesota.

Lloyd is survived by his three children, Gary, Theresa, and Jesse Gilliland and their spouses; his sister Hazel Watson and brother Johnny Gilliland; two grandchildren, Michael Gilliland and Ramie Panos; and one great-grandchild, Addison Gilliland.

Lloyd’s family extends a heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Benedictine Westwood Assisted Living and Essentia Hospice for providing such wonderful care for Lloyd these past few years. Private services will be held at a future date.  May his memory be eternal.