Richard Gildersleeve

Richard Penn Moore Gildersleeve, affectionately known as Gil, 94, of Idaho Falls, passed away August 10, 2016, at MorningStar Senior Living Center. He was under the care of Abode Hospice and his loving family.

Richard was born December 11, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, to John Andrew Gildersleeve and Margaret Edwards Crane Gildersleeve. He grew up in New York City and graduated high school in Brooklyn. Richard attended the Colorado School of Mines, Columbia University, and Georgia Tech before he was deployed during WW II. He served for the US Army earning the ranking of Sergeant, receiving a number of citations including the Bronze Star for valor during combat. After serving in the military, he continued his education again at the Colorado School of Mines and later the University of Denver where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.

While attending the Colorado School of Mines he met Helen E. Barnard and they married on July 26, 1947. They had two children: daughter Margaret (Meg); and son Richard, Jr. (Penn). Richard was employed by the US Bureau of Reclamation, working on the design of Palisades Dam in Idaho and later on the construction of Canyon Ferry Dam in Montana. He then served as an engineer for Atomic Engineering Commission (AEC) facilities in Paducah Kentucky, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, before moving to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Richard worked as an Engineering Construction Manager for the AEC from 1957 until his retirement in 1978. In his retirement, Richard and Helen acquired a dilapidated cheese factory in Victor, Idaho, which they converted into a popular art and crafts gift store. He was proud to associate with many gifted artists from Idaho and around the world. His hobbies included archaeology and paleontology. He was a founding officer of the Upper Snake River Prehistoric Society and through sponsorship with Idaho State University worked on several important archeological sites. He also was a gifted photographer who spent many hours developing and enlarging photos in the family darkroom. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout adult leader.

He was known for his deadpan wit, his astonishing intelligence, his command of the English language, and his ability to recall obscure facts, often repeating quotes, ditties and verses learned as a child in any of several languages. He loved to build a fire in the fireplace, and read scientific articles while listening to opera. He was the unchallenged alpha wolf leader in this family, but his single most defining trait was his absolute and perfect devotion to his wife, Helen.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Helen Gildersleeve; daughter, Margaret E. (Frank) Pipkin of Phoenix, AZ; son, Penn Gildersleeve (Marilyn) of Evergreen, CO; grandson, Frederick Gildersleeve of Clarkdale, AZ; grandson, Zachary (Ann) Gildersleeve of Salt Lake City, UT; granddaughter, Cassie (Brent) Kaslon of Evergreen, CO; and five great grandchildren: Fiona; Ruby; Parker; Holden and Norea.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Gildersleeve, and brothers Jack and Harold.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery, with Reverend Ruth Marsh officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the Trinity United Methodist Church of Idaho Falls.

Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

Graveside Services will be held