Our beloved Harold went to be with his father on Dec. 13, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Gannett, Idaho, on Jan. 12, 1935, to John and Minnie Gillihan. Harold, his brothers and sisters ruled the mountains of Idaho for 20 years. He proudly served in the Navy for 4 years and traveled to various parts of the world before being honorably discharged. Harold then spent many starry nights cowboying in Jordan Valley, Owyhee, Oregon, Wyoming, and Nevada. He was a jack of all trades doing many odd jobs including owning his own construction company. He met the love of his life Judy in 1976, both of them bringing four beautiful daughters, Pam, Linda, Michele and Jody to their family. They were wed on Dec. 17, 1977, and welcomed their only son Cody to the family in January 1979. They moved to Nevada in 1981 calling Winnemucca their home for the past 30 years.
Harold worked for various companies after moving to Nevada including Pinson Mine, Marigold Mine, Hunewill Construction, N.A. Degerstrom, and Norm Sweeney Construction. He made numerous life-long friends at work and through rodeoing with his kids. He could always be found supporting the coffee stand at numerous junior rodeos throughout Nevada, Idaho and Oregon. He spent all his time supporting his children's dreams and adored all his grandchildren. Besides rodeo, he could be found hunting and fishing with his family and friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents John and Minnie Gillihan, brother Jack Gillihan and nephews Kevin Gillihan and Kelley Gillihan. He is survived by his wife, Judy Gillihan, son Cody (Stephanie) Gillihan, daughters, Pam Baarstad, Linda Stanton, Michele (Mike) Schaffer, Jody (Vee) Avega, brothers, Bob (Boise), George (Emmett), Ray (Riggins), Roy (Lacey, Wash.), Anna May (California), Milton (Silvercreek, Wash.), Kristy (Troy, Idaho), and Patrick (Winnemucca), grandchildren, Bret, Robbie, Lacey, Shane, Sean, Alex, Katie, Kyle, Trysten, Elizabeth, Trinity, Cash, Sarah, and Taylar, great grandchildren, Charlie, Kylie, and Aiden, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services will be held at the Methodist Church on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at 11:00 am with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, Harold asked that donations be made to the Methodist Church Youth Group 138 W. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV 89445 or Humboldt Volunteer Hospice P.O. Box 843, Winnemucca, NV 89446.
Our dear friend Harold will be forever in our thoughts, hearts, and memories.
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