Dad,

You will be forever loved and missed by so many.  You were a true inspiration and gift to this family and your legacy will live on.  THANK YOU for everything you did for all of us.  You were a wonderful father and grandfather as well as friend.  Love always, Leigh Anne

Integrity.  Honesty. A Fighter. The three words i think of when i think of my friend Gil. We will miss you sir. Godspeed my friend.  ~The Parker Family

Papa,

Your passion, wisdom, care, love and support are only some of the things that we will remember about you! Thank you for everything you’ve done for all of us. You will always be remembered, never forgotten! With Love,
Isabella Johnson

Hi Gil,
Thank you for the chance to meet you and learn from your way of living and enjoying life. The impression of your great characters will last with me forever. I can still remember your special smiles with a great looking sunglass the last time I saw you. Love, Thanh.

I first met Gil almost 30 years ago. He warmly welcomed me into his home and family. Over the years I always enjoyed speaking with him and taking his advice. Such a brilliant mind and truly devoted to his family. A true gem who will be missed by all those who were so fortunate to know him.

My father was a dedicated, caring, and hard working man. These are things he instilled in us while raising my older sister and myself as a single parent.  Growing up, I always knew he was there for us; our fierce protector. We were so lucky to be his children; for that, I’m eternally grateful. I will love and miss you always.

Gil and I go back to  Nelson School in Kansas City about 75 years ago. I knew his parents who were wonderful people and his KC family.  We kept in touch after he moved to Chicago area and have been friends every since. I was fortunate enough to meet his children and know Merrily. Gil was an original and getting into a discussion with him almost guaranteed you would lose. I will miss him.

My Uncle Gilbert was a personal hero to his nephews and to me. My wish for him is that he now has the answers to the theological questions he
posed. Always seeking knowledge and questioning the world was his way of making sense of it’s complexities. My memories of Gil are precious. As Ernest Hemingway said, “There are many kinds of hunger. Memory is Hunger”.

I’ve always admired Uncle Gilbert.  Mom always said he was the smartest, most inquisitive person she knew.   At four years old he asked a pilot how airplanes fly.  He could challenge you with a simple question that could make you reconsider everything you knew.  He always found the irony and the humor in a situation.  He has now rejoined his parents and sisters.  I can hear the laughter.

Gil was an extraordinary person, fun loving, witty, very very smart, a man of good common sense and judgement, a first rate lawyer and writer, lovable, a remarkable pianist, a loyal family man. a down-to-earth dependable friend, and much more. The world will be a lesser place without him. But there is some solace in knowing he lives on in the hearts and minds of all of us. —Paul & Thelma

I always enjoyed talking to Gil.  He called me so many times to get my thoughts about real estate.  I always had a smile when I saw his number on my phone.  I answered many "what if" questions and loved them!  Gil had so much love for his family.  He was SO proud of them.  Never had a conversation with him when he didn't mention them.    Gil will be dearly missed by many--Sandra Saunders

Gil.  I barely knew you, but I knew and taught Kevin at Thonrton Friends School and I know he loved and respected you deeply.  You raised a remarkable young man, filled with love, always a questioner and a champion of the underdog.  I'm sorry I didn't know you better.  Blessings - Michael DeHart

I always looked forward to seeing Gil, because of his genuine caring for his family, love of learning, and great sense of humor.  He was a brilliant man, very astute in American history, especially presidential politics, and in playing and discussing classical music. He loved his family and valued promoting his children's and grandchildren's education. I will miss his wit and passion.

Mr.Gil will be truly missed.  He always walk in the Nail Salon with his drake sunglasses, his cane and a puzzle look on his face looking for Christine to help him to his pedicure chair .He loves to get his pedicure and nails done .We talk, laugh and he makes funny jokes .I will miss him.  Rest In Peace my friend.

I really appreciated getting to Gil through our company functions.  Dinner conversations were always enlightening and enjoyable. I know he will be sincerely missed by all who knew him. Your family will be in our prayers for your comfort during this time.  

Gil was a brilliant man, deeply knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics, and we had stimulating conversations. Sometimes, we disagreed and Gil would keep marshaling stronger arguments. He would give me this sly look and try a new line of assault. Gil almost always thought he won the argument -- and usually he was right. I'll miss those pointed, challenging talks, Gil.

Gil and I met in 1960 at Law School in Ann Arbor and found a friendship based on music, political theory and humor.  Talking, arguing and laughing with Gil was always good because his sharp mind and wit came into play on all levels.  While he loved the Law, he seemed to love just being alive and engaged.  Our friendship through the years is a treasure to me.Thanks, Gil! Love to you Merrily