Obituary of Thomas Andrew Gilles

Thomas Andrew Gilles August 25, 1964- September 17, 2016 You know the quote that says “You never know what someone is going through, so be kind”? This past year, this quote has never been truer for our family. For the last year our wonderful husband, father, sibling, friend, and exceptionally kind and generous man, Thomas Andrew Gilles, has been struggling with bi-polar with depression and psychosis. He was in and out of the hospital several times and we have been fighting to keep him both alive and back to the person we have known and loved for years. Many of you were unaware of how difficult this time has been for us. This week, despite heroic efforts, we lost that battle. Tom took his life on Sept 17, 2016 and we, the survivors, are devastated. Similar to tens of thousands of people each year, the real cause of death was mental illness. There were so many things that brought joy into Tom’s life. He loved spending time with his family, traveling, his family, music, skiing, his family hiking, bad jokes, sarcastic humor, and his family (in case we haven’t mentioned that one). He had an infectious laugh and a generous heart. How can someone who was so loved have struggled so hard to feel this love? Our family has been overwhelmed by the kindness, thoughtfulness, and support of family, friends, students, teachers, band members, neighbors, members of the local church, and people we barely know. To each of you, we thank you in this most difficult time. Tom leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Alison, and their 4 children, Wyatt (19), Lucas (17), Ethan (14) and Emery (11). Their lives will be forever altered by the after effects of mental illness. His loving in-laws, Rick and Cyndie Moore, and brother-in-law Casey (Kris) Moore and their children have been a large part of his life, and they will miss him dearly. He will also be missed by many close and dear friends, as well as the family’s two little dogs, Chewie and Rigby. Tom was the youngest in a family of eleven and is survived by his 7 brothers and 3 sisters: Norman J. (Ann) Gilles, Alan P. (Linda) Gilles, Jack Gilles, Maureen (Paul) Robertson, Timothy Gilles, Teresa (Larry) Llewellyn, Kevin Gilles, Mary K. Gilles (Stephen R. Leone), David Gilles and Stephen (Tina) Gilles, as well as their children and grand children. He is predeceased by his parents Norman J. and Jeannette M. Gilles. Tom was born in Seattle, Washington and moved to Utah in the late 1980’s because he was an avid skier and was inspired by the greatest snow on earth. A time for sharing condolences and memories will be held on Friday, Sept. 30th. “Open House” Friday September 30th, 2016 From 4:30-7:30 There will be brief comments around 5:00. But people are encouraged to drop in at any time, even briefly to share support and condolences. Location: Northhampton House Reception Center 198 W 300 N American Fork, UT 84003 As the family will be under considerable economic stress, in lieu of flowers, any contribution to the Tom Gilles Memorial/Family Support fund would be greatly appreciated https://www.gofundme.com/2pq4b7df