Robert Dale Gilliam ’39

Bob died suddenly and unexpectedly March 22, 2005, in Florence, Ore.

An ophthalmologist, he received his medical degree from Temple University in 1945. As a lieutenant commander in the Navy, he served on a destroyer in the Atlantic, a carrier in the Pacific, and a hospital ship in Korea. He received personal commendation for eye surgery performed on Army personnel. His lifelong medical practice was in Oceanside, Calif., until he retired in 1980.

In retirement, he still played golf, swam, sailed, and ran. Of his golf, he was proud to say he had made five holes-in-one. His wife, Patricia, said he was always up for an adventure, including a move to Las Vegas and taking a yearlong tour of the U.S. by motor home. After a while, he was ready for something else. He wanted to live by a lake. They found that dream home on a lake in Florence. He enjoyed just nine months there before his death.

Bob is survived by Patricia, whom he married in 1962; his sons Robert and Donnel; daughter Donna; and stepchildren, Diedre, Susan, and David. We offer them all our sincere sympathy.

The Class of 1939