Jan. 19, 1948 - April 27, 2012
David "Chili" Chilson, of Winnemucca passed away April 27, 2012, in Reno after a long and courageous battle with Leukemia.
David was born in Wallace, Idaho, in 1948 to Harold and Francis Chilson, the sixth of nine children. He was raised in Burke, Idaho, and was preceded in death by his father Harold, mother Francis, sisters Jeanne, Helen, and Carol and brothers Ralph, Harold, and John.
In 1966, David joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, Calif. Upon completion of his active duty, he moved to Alabama for two years to be with family, but realized his passion was mining and he returned to Silver Valley to pursue his lifelong career. Over his 40+ years in the mining industry, David worked for many companies throughout Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Nevada.
In 1976 David married the love of his life and best friend, JoAnn (Stepro), and they spent the next 35 years raising a family and enjoying each others company.
During the lean mining years, David had an opportunity to work in a variety of areas including the Wallace Fire Department, City of Wallace and C and C Equipment.
In 1995 David moved to Winnemucca where he and his wife JoAnn have had a wonderful life while he continued to work for Getchel and Midas mines. He truly loved the mining lifestyle and made numerous lifelong friends. He will be missed by the many lives he touched along the way.
David enjoyed the outdoors, including camping, fishing, hunting, and golf. He especially loved going back to North Idaho to visit friends and family often. He also enjoyed trying his luck in the slot machines and occasionally was successful, but thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent in the casino.
David often loved being with family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. He would often show photos and spend time bragging of their accomplishments. It also wasn't uncommon to see him striking up a conversation with people he just met. His children would often joke with him saying "he was running for mayor". David enjoyed all people and would be the first person to help those who needed a helping hand.
David is survived by his wife JoAnn, daughter Karrie (Chance) Garcia of Winnemucca, son Fredrick (Megan) Chilson of Dillon, Mont., and daughter Mary Chilson of Winnemucca, brother Tom Chilson of Sacramento, Calif., sister Betty Magoon of Wallace, Idaho, brother in law Vic Overman of Osburn, Idaho, sister in law Mary Stepro-Robinson of Marysville, Wash., brother in law Fred (Jackie) Stepro of Wallace, Idaho, brother in law Dale (Sandra) Stepro of Mullan, Idaho, grandchildren Gabriel Chilson, Kristine Garcia, and Jayden Chilson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services: Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 11 a.m. at the Convention Center West Hall, Winnemucca.
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