Keith Edward Gill

Keith Edward Gill  

April 13, 1961 – February 3, 2021 (age 59)

Keith Edward Gill of Clovis, California passed away on February 3, 2021 from End Stage Renal Disease, while awaiting a kidney transplant.  Although the family was not prepared for his passing, they know he is no longer in pain. Keith was born on April 13, 1961 in Los Angeles, California to Thomas and Leah Gill.    He was raised Catholic, growing up in Coalinga and Fresno, California. Keith was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Fresno, attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1979. 

Inspired by his constant curiosity, Keith loved to discover new places and grew up traveling all over the United States on vacations with his parents and siblings. He had many fond memories of those younger days with his family. Keith played little league baseball and then basketball in high school at San Joaquin Memorial.  He was extremely proud of his time in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 23 and achieved Eagle Scout on May 20, 1979 with a ceremony at Sacred Heart.

After high school, Keith worked for Bargain Liquor and then for many years at Bargain Party Rentals in Fresno.  In 1986, Keith met the love of his life, Kelly Sailors while she was attending Fresno State and when they both worked together at Bargain Party.  They were married soon after at a beautiful April wedding at Sacred Heart.  Keith and Kelly shared over 34 years together and enjoyed a life raising their children Kyle Thomas Gill age 27 and Kaylee Nicole Gill age 17. 

An avid outdoorsman, Keith loved to go camping, hunting, and fishing, passing on that love to Kyle. The two spent many seasons navigating the great outdoors.  Keith was a hard worker and was considered Mr. Fix-it as he could fix anything and he used that skill to make a living as a master auto mechanic for over 30 years working for JM&H Automotive in Clovis and later Pro-Auto in Fresno.  In his spare time, Keith restored classic cars, including his 1965 Chevy yellow hunting truck and his first car, his 1971 Javelin.  A big Nascar and Monster Trucks fan, Keith and Kyle attended many races.  Keith and Kyle also liked to build furniture and work on woodworking projects.  Keith taught Kyle a great appreciation for hard work just as his father had taught him.  

Keith adored his daughter Kaylee. She was his princess and he spoiled her.  Whether it was building Barbie houses, taking her to the park or a bike ride every day after work when she was little and then as she got older, watching scary movies together.  They both loved roller coasters, amusement parks and their favorite holiday to plan for was Halloween.  His children were his pride and joy and he loved family vacations to Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Disneyland, and Yosemite.  Keith was an avid fan of the L.A. Lakers, the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco Giants and he and Kyle were able attend games together.  Keith enjoyed being a coach for Kyle’s soccer and baseball teams during the elementary school years.  He was a proud father and never missed a game for both his children as they participated on numerous sports teams in Clovis Unified over the years.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Edward Gill, his grandparents, Edward and Zula Gill and Arthur and Ruby Pucci Moreno and John Albert Pucci.   Keith was also preceded by his mother-in-law, Carol Sailors, and his Grammie, Evelynne Hollands. 

Keith is survived by his wife, Kelly; his children, son Kyle and daughter Kaylee; his mother, Leah Gill; his brother, Michael and his sisters, Maureen, and Denise and by Kenny Gill.  Keith is also survived by his Aunt, Susan Hubanks, his Uncle, Jim Gill, his father-in-law, Delbert Sailors and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many good friends. Keith leaves behind a wonderful legacy in his children.  He was a wise man and taught them so much.  Keith will always be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. 

The family would like to say thank you to Kaiser Permanente Fresno and Fresenius Kidney Care, Fresno North for the great care provided to Keith since he became ill in 2016. 

A private viewing was held for his family.  Due to current circumstances, there will be no services.  We hope you will attend a Celebration of Life ceremony for Keith later this year when COVID restrictions lift, details forthcoming. 

The family hopes you share a memory or message on the tribute wall.

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