Leo Samuel Gill

Leo Samuel Gill Obituary

Leo Samuel Gill, age 92, passed away peacefully May 19^th, 2023, after a long, difficult battle with cancer. Leo was born in Pocatello, Idaho on January 6^th, 1931, to Hubert Samuel Gill and Myrtle Frances Olsen. He earned a Navy scholarship to the University of California and graduated salutatorian in 1954 with a Master of Business Administration. At Cal, he met and married his sweetheart, Martha Braby, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on June 18, 1956. He spent 40+ years in the Navy before retiring in 1991 with the rank of Captain. He served on the USS Oriskany, Iowa, Bordelon, and Miller. Upon completion of his active duty, he entered the Navy Reserves and went to work for the Chevron Corporation in San Francisco – where he spent 34 years as a financial analyst. Leo and Martha raised their 4 children across the bay in El Cerrito before retiring and settling in San Diego.

Leo learned to work hard from his parents. As teenagers, he and his two brothers (Keith and Lawrence) checked out books from the library to learn how to build a house for their family. In high school, he was involved in sports (track, baseball, basketball), debate, student government, theatre, and band.

Leo was always one who looked for ways to serve others. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many leadership positions including Bishop and Branch President. He worked closely with the refugees from Southeast Asia – from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. He touched many lives wherever he lived and served.  He and Martha served four missions for the Church – in Guam, the Laie, Hawaii Temple Visitor Center, the London Temple, and as FamilySearch missionaries. He also served for many years in the San Diego temple and loved doing family history, adding thousands of ancestors into his family tree.

Leo enjoyed traveling with Martha and his family. He treasured the time spent with family and went to great lengths and expenses to plan cruises and reunions to get them together. His eyes twinkled as he shared an endless supply of “dad” jokes. He was an avid gardener and shared his harvests freely with all. He was especially fond of his raspberries (which Martha loved) that traveled with him from the Bay Area. By nature, he was even kind to the squirrels that tormented his garden. He was always thinking of others and was charitable to everyone he met. Although frugal, Leo spent freely to help others in need. He once caught a stranger attempting to steal his ladder and told them they could borrow it, as long as they brought it back.

He loved ice cream, puzzles, reading, camping, canoeing, fishing and sports. He was the politest sports fan that ever lived and loved watching BYU, Cal, the Giants, 49ers, Padres, and Chargers. He looked forward to his daily morning walks where his route ended climbing a large hill. He had a life-long tradition of Christmas caroling with family to friends and neighbors. He loved God and is a great example of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was loved by all who interacted with him.

He is survived by his dear wife Martha, and his four children and their spouses Linda (Kevin) Bessey, David (Denise) Gill, Steven (Adriane) Gill, and Thomas (Kathleen) Gill; 17 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 12835 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA, 92129 on Friday, June 2^nd at 7PM. The memorial service will be streamed live at: bit.ly/LeoGill . He will be buried at the Miramar National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund .  Condolences may be sent through his obituary at https://www.featheringillmortuary.com/obituaries/leo-gill