Lowell F. Gill
August 24, 1942 - September 8, 2023
A Life Well Lived
Lowell Franklin Gill passed away in his home on September 8, 2023, after a short but courageous battle with leukemia. He confronted this horrible disease as he did everything in his life- with unwavering courage and strength.
Lowell was born to Amelia and James Gill in Big Springs, Nebraska on August 24, 1942, as the youngest of six siblings: Naomi, Don, Audrey, Samuel, and Robert. From their love and guidance, they imparted in Lowell the value of family, faith, loyalty, and an unshakeable work ethic, which he carried with him until the very end. Even when confronted with death, Lowell remained determined to fight, and noted that he wanted to get some rest and then “get to work”.
As a youth Lowell exceled in education and sports, developing a life-long love of basketball and the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. According to family legend, he would also get into a fair amount of country-boy mischief as a youth with his nephew Dean Robb whom he loved as a brother. To say Lowell excelled in sports is an understatement. He participated in football, basketball, and track in high school, earning All-Conference honors in basketball on a team that won the Nebraska State title in 1960.
After high school Lowell received an athletic scholarship to attend college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and for two years lettered in both football and basketball. In 1962, he followed his brother Robert to Utah to work and continue his education at Weber State University, and later at the University of Utah graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1979 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Prior to formally graduating, Lowell was accepted as a professional engineer after scoring 99% on the professional exam in 1978. Lowell had a long and successful career at Questar Pipeline Company and in his 38 years with the company held various positions. He ended his career as Vice President and General Manager of Questar Pipeline, retiring in 2002 at age 57.
Lowell met and married Sheila Grace Gadd in 1964. They had four children, Darcy (deceased), Michelle, Michael, and Jeffrey. Although his career often required long hours and extensive business travel, Lowell was first and foremost a family man. He took his young family on numerous camping trips, attended hundreds of his children’s events, and was extremely involved in their education. He was a devoted husband to Sheila and they had a marriage filled with laughter and love. They enjoyed travelling the world together and spending time with their family and many friends.
Upon retirement, Lowell developed and pursued several interests. He became an excellent wood carver, winning several ribbons with his local wood carving group. Lowell was an accomplished woodworker and built many items of furniture for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lowell was athletically active throughout his life and played basketball in various league and tournaments until the age of 70.
His favorite place to be both before and after retirement was at his cabin. There he developed strong friendships with his neighbors and was always busy working on projects. He also loved being in nature and enjoying the peace the cabin provided to him. Lowell was active in his community, many charities, Christ Lutheran Church, and established an endowment for engineering scholarships at the University of Utah. He was deeply generous with his time and resources, impacting the lives of many.
After the passing of his wife, Sheila, to whom he was married for over 50 years, Lowell met Susan Draney. They married in 2021 and together spent time at his cabin, attended parties, took cooking classes, and traveled around the Western United States in their RV. Susan was truly Lowell’s best friend late in his life, and they had many wonderful adventures. Lowell was a gifted storyteller and never failed to leave an impression. He always said what he meant, and meant what he said, and while at times could be a little gruff and ornery, beneath the hardened exterior beat a heart of gold willing to do whatever it is he could to help others. Words cannot adequately describe the impact that he made in this world.
Lowell is survived by his wife Susan Draney Gill, his children Michelle Pearson, Michael Gill (Judy Marostica), and Jeffrey Gill (Aracely Gomez), his brothers Don Gill (Kay) and Robert Gill (Lola), his grandchildren Tyson Lowder (Carlie), Keaton Pearson (Ivee), Alexander Gill, Jessie Cyrus, and his great-grandchildren Payton Lowder, James Lowder, and Bentlee Pearson. The family would like to thank Sam and Holly Draney, Joseph Draney, Mike and Julie Woodward, Andrew and Marcy Tanner, Aitana Aragon, and Lowell’s many friends for their love and support. The family would also like to thank Dr. Andy Nguyen and the staff in the Oncology Department at Intermountain Health Care for their compassion and professionalism during this difficult time.
A celebration of Lowell’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 19th from 6pm to 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South, 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family instead asks that donations be made to the Utah Food Bank or charity of their choice.
In Loving Memory
We are so sad and shocked to hear about Lowell �� We didn’t realize he was so sick . We so enjoyed visiting with him and Sheila and getting to go to cabin with him and meeting some of his kids. Another memory going to a Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns game when they spent a weekend here with us. They were always fun to be with. Then later when we were able to meet Sue. I still remember him buying her a Valentine gift. I am so happy I was able to meet Dan’s classmate and friend . Lowell will be missed by many. Jo and Dan Mercer
Was an engineer in QPC design Engineering,always enjoyed my discussions with Lowell, My condolenses <<<JC>>>
Lowell and Sheila were are cabin family. We spent 27 years sharing meals, hosting Hoe-downs, playing a variety of games. They were fabulous neighbors and friends. We were thrilled to welcome Sue into our cabin family to continue the traditions. It was wonderful to see a sparkle in Lowell's eyes once again after Sheila's death. His absence will be felt greatly. He was knowledgeable about so many things; always an excellent problem solver. We will miss his sense of humor and teasing each other. Lowell, you were one-of-a kind. We will miss you so much papa bear! Love to the Gill Family.
Sue, Please accept my deepest sympathy to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I hope the tears soon turn to smiles of beautiful memories. Know that the sadness felt is a reflection of the love and cherished relationship you have with Lowell. Love, Perris
Best wishes to the the extended family of Lowell Gill -- Please accept my condolences at this very tough time! I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Lowell for several years. He and Nick Rose hired me in February 1984, from the banking business. When he found out I graduated from a high school in western Nebraska, out came the Big Springs, NE stories! We worked hard but found time to have some fun. Great write-up on his obituary, by the way! You used the words "could be a little gruff and ornery." Yes, and he and I got past that after our first few months working together. Lowell was a smart and kind gentleman and was good friend from my days with the gas company!
In Loving Memory
