Forrest Calvin Gill Sr.

Forrest “Frosty” Calvin Gill, Sr. died at home on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis, an interstitial lung disease, brought on by exposure to agent orange, a toxic herbicide, to which he was exposed during his service in Vietnam.

Frosty was born on December 20, 1947 in Vancouver, WA to parents Forrest C. Winters, Sr. and Myrtle Berberich (Winters). Frosty grew up in the old town of North Bonneville while the Bonneville Dam was being built and then attended Stevenson High School. Frosty entered the Army shortly after graduating high school and volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1968.

Frosty is a proud “graduate of the University of South Vietnam”. While in Vietnam, Frosty was assigned to the 174th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Aviation Battalion. Frosty was an Aircraft Powertrain Repairman and Aircraft Engine Mechanic. Frosty was honorably discharged from the United States Army with the rank of Specialist 5th Class.

Frosty is survived by his loving wife, Lisa (Washington) Gill, his son, Forrest “Frosty” Gill, Jr., daughter, Nicole (Washington) Bailey, and grandchildren Forrest “Frosty” III, Mackenzie, Jayda, and Brandon, Jr.

Frosty leaves behind his older brother, Jim Winters, Sr and Jim Sr’s wife, Larene, his older sister (Laura) Jeanne Leete, and numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and a host of lifelong friends.

In 2000, Forrest and Lisa met and struck up a friendship while they were both members of their Union’s Bargaining Team, and were married in a beautiful backyard ceremony and celebration of their union in 2008. Forrest and Lisa adored each other and anyone who knows them knows that they are a very special couple.

Frosty is preceded in death by his dear mother, Myrtle Berberich, his step-father, Roman Gill, his oldest brother Melvin Perron, and older sisters Beryl Bailey and Shirley Cummings.

Forrest was a journeyman plumber for many years before joining the City of Portland in July, 1995 as a Commercial Plumbing Inspector, where he was honored as one of the City of Portland’s 2011 Safe Driver of the Year. Forrest retired from the City of Portland in the spring of 2013 after almost 18 years of faithful service to the community. 

After Forrest’s retirement, he spent time in Montana to help his mother-in-law around her ranch. He loved his time in Montana where he made many friends.

While Forrest was employed with the City of Portland, he was a diligent shop steward with UA Local 290 - Plumbers & Steamfitters.

In his personal time, Frosty spent over 20 years as a Washington State Hunter Education instructor where he introduced and educated 100’s of young hunters to the joy and responsibility of hunting in the outdoors.

Forrest's family would like to thank the phenomenal staff at Legacy Hospice for the care and support they provided to Forrest and his family during this journey.

Thank you for your service Forrest Gill, Sr. You will be dearly missed.

According to his wishes, Forrest will be interred at a private service at Willamette National Cemetery. 

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