Louis Vasco Gillett

Louis Vasco Gillett was born July 4, 1930, on Independence Day in Moscow, Idaho, to the late Harry Louis Gillett and Mabel Alene Vassar.

Growing up, Lou lived in several towns throughout the Northwest but considered Harvard, Idaho, his hometown. Upon graduating from Potlach High School, Lou enlisted in the Navy, then the Naval Reserves and, later, the Air Force Reserves. He attended the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1955, Lou moved to Southern California to pursue a career in the aerospace industry, where he worked until his retirement. Over his career, he had the opportunity to work on the military aircraft, satellites still in orbit, and testing equipment for the Space Shuttle.
In 1957, Louis married his first wife Eileen. They had three beautiful children, Doug, Lynn, and Mark. Eileen and Lou were divorced in 1985. Louis married Audrey in December 1988.

Louis’s Christian faith was very important to him. He attended Christian churches throughout his life, raised his children in the church, and served in the church in many ways. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was reflected in his wonderful character. He was a man of honor and integrity.

Everyone agreed Lou was a most loving husband, father, and grandfather who was very generous, warm, patient, good natured, and had a calming presence. Even under stressful situations, he was a calm reassurance. He had a wonderful sense of humor, keeping laughter in the home with his corny jokes and by wiggling his ears. He was very intelligent and had a wide variety of interests, including electronics, video recording, gold mining, optics, Christian life, investing, harmonica, piano, and reading books on all kinds of topics.

Louis passed away peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020, due to Alzheimer’s. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Audrey; two sons and a daughter, Doug, Lynn and Mark; two stepsons, Steve and Dave; four grandchildren, Tommy, Chris, Allison and Isaac; two great-grandchildren, Elise and Graham; and several step-grandchildren.
A private interment will take place at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.

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