Newton Wayne Gilman

Our father, Newton Wayne Gilman, passed away on May 7, 2015 surrounded by family in Seattle, Washington. He was born in Livingston, Montana on March 28, 1927 to Newton E. Gilman and Irene S. (Hetherington) Gilman. After attending school in Livingston, Dad worked for the Northern Pacific Railway as a crew caller. His employment was interrupted by World War II, when he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps 6 th Division. He also served in the Korean Conflict, with the 7 th Division, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Dad saw combat action on the beaches of Okinawa, the Ryukyu Islands and was one of the first soldiers to land on mainland Japan at the end of the war. Between these two wars, Dad met the love of his life, Elizabeth Campos, in San Diego, CA. They were married in Yuma, Arizona in 1948, and immediately moved to Livingston. Dad resumed working at the railroad; and the young couple soon started a family. In 1950, the Marines came calling for help with the Korean Conflict. Since Dad had seen combat in World War II, this time he stayed stateside, cooking in the mess halls of Camp Pendleton, CA. When discharged, he once again returned to his life and family. Newt and Elizabeth wanted a large family. She cared for their five children, and he always said that he held a job for each one of them. On top of his railroad job, he delivered gas and oil, worked for the local mortuary, ran his own airline ticketing business, and was a handyman, helping friends and neighbors. Mom and Dad moved from Livingston to Edmonds, WA in 1978. Dad took charge of the Edmonds Amtrak Station, which was struggling, and in jeopardy of being closed. Dad turned it around with the help of Edmonds citizens and railroad buffs from the area. The key to his success was his culture of service to the traveling public. The Edmonds Station is now a jewel in the crown of Edmonds. He retired from Amtrak in 1989. In retirement, he became the resident building manager of The Continental Apartments in Edmonds, where he made many more good friends. He enjoyed his daily coffee break from management duties at the Starbucks near his home, where he was a beloved customer and fellow coffee-holic. Dad found love again after the passing of Elizabeth in 1996, with long time friend Betty Caldwell. They were married in 1999 on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. They had many good times traveling and enjoying family and friends. Betty passed away in 2006 at their home in Edmonds. He was a strong and gentle father. He had a Marines discipline and values, yet he also accepted us children as we were, and was supportive of our life decisions. People were drawn to him by his warmth and sense of humor. In every community of which he was a part, he was regarded as friendly and helpful, always placing the welfare of others before his own. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elizabeth (Campos), second wife Betty (Caldwell), sister Marian Lee and son Keith Morris Gilman. Survivors include a daughter Lisa of Coeur d Alene, Idaho, sons Brian Gilman (Kathy) of Shoreline, WA, Gary (Mi Yon) of Tacoma, WA, and Robert (Mary Jean) of Seattle, WA. He had seven grandchildren, two great grand children and many nieces and nephews. There were a lot of us and he had plenty of love to go around. Interment will take place in Livingston, Montana at Mountain View Cemetery. lease contribute to your favorite charity to honor his memory. lease share memories with the family at www.becksfuneralhome.com. All aboard! And please be careful. Newt (Bud) Gilman