CHINA VILLAGE – Thurston “Allen” “T.A.” Gilman, 62, of China Village, died peacefully on June 16, 2004, with his wife and family in his home after a valiant effort battling cancer. He was born Aug. 13, 1941, in Waterville, the son of the late Dr. Thurston Hugh Gilman and the late Lucille LeBrasseur Gilman of Waterville. He graduated Waterville High School in 1959, and enlisted in the Army, serving from 1959-1963. He married the former Judith Begin of Waterville in 1964. They have four sons. He worked for LaVerdiere’s Super Drug stores for many years as manager, district manager, supervisor and assistant vice president. When LaVerdieres sold to Rite-Aid he became district manager. He also worked for MBNA in Belfast until retiring due to illness. T.A. and Judi own Sunset Pines Cottages and Happenings on China Lake. Survivors include his wife Judi Gilman, Spinal Cord Injury Nurse Case Manager at Togus VA of China; children Thane Gilman, a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and his wife, Mary, of Annapolis, Md., Lance Gilman, Major, Army National Guard, and his wife, April, of China, Hugh Gilman, Gilman, Surveying and Mapping, and his wife, Jean, of China, Chad Gilman, surveyor, and his fianc?e, Michelle Skehan, of Waterville; two brothers, T. Jean Gilman and wife of Newton, Mass., and T. Dudley Gilman and wife of North Tonawonda, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Mrs. Geraldine Begin of China; sister-in-law, Ann Begin Colucci and husband, Steve, of North Kingston, R.I.; brother-in-law, Carl Begin and wife, Kay (Libby), of Lebanon, N.H., and Estro, Fla.; seven grandchildren (and one more on the way), and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 3, at their home at 70 Neck Road, China. All friends and relatives are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Waterville, 120 Drummond Ave., Waterville, ME 04901, where we always got our precious family dogs (Judge, Snoopy, Scruffy, Bandit, Samantha, Bear, Murphy, Captain, and presently Mattie). A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD – THURSTON ALLEN T.A. GILMAN “MY DAD TAUGHT ME” by Lance Gilman My Dad taught me how to tie a fisherman’s knot and bait a hook. My Dad taught me to work hard and not complain. My Dad taught me to be humble and not make too much of oneself. My Dad taught me not to take things to extremes – everything in moderation. My Dad taught me not to be intimidated by anyone, but to stand toe to toe with the best. My Dad taught me to invent gadgets to make life easier. My Dad taught me to keep things simple – life’s too short. My Dad taught me that making mistakes in life and trying new things gives life vigor. My Dad taught me how to pick things up as I go…and keep things neat. My Dad taught me that life is more about relationships than things. My Dad taught me the 2nd most important book in life is – Uncle Henry’s. My Dad taught me the importance of family…and not to be afraid to express your feelings to those you love. My Dad taught me to be honest and always stand by your word – no matter the cost. My Dad taught me that loving your wife is the most important gift you can give your children. My Dad taught me the importance of taking care of your loved ones as they age. My Dad taught me that faith is more than just going to church. My Dad taught me to fight the good fight…and live life to the fullest. My Dad taught me all these things…and many more; and I am forever thankful to God for the things – My Dad taught me. Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Love, your sons Thane, Lance, Hugh and Chad <
THURSTON ALLEN GILMAN
