WORCESTER, MA: George R. “Bob” Gilks, Jr., 55, died in his home with his family by his side on Sunday, October 5, 2014, after a very courageous battle with cancer. He leaves his wife of 23 years, Coleen “Colie” (Lawrence) Gilks; two daughters, Sarah Anderson and her husband Josh of Logan, WV, Karen Ritchie and her partner Douglas Smith of Lewiston, ME; his father, George R. Gilks, Sr. and his wife Jane of Stoughton, MA; two sisters, Janice Conley and her husband Harold of Rumford, ME, Tina Conley of Farmington, ME; a stepsister, Lisa Buhan and her husband Donald of Easton, MA; two stepbrothers, Michael Jones of Reno, NV and Chris Jones and his wife Ann of Kennebunk, ME; three grandchildren, Kylie and Nathan Anderson of Logan, WV, Vada C. Ritchie of Minot, ME; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; his beloved cat, Socks; and all his brothers from Local Union No. 4. His mother, Lucille Bressette of Poland, ME, his sister, Tresa Lare of Rumford, ME, and his stepfather, George Haggett of Worcester, all predeceased him. He was born in Norway, ME and lived in Alfred, ME where he graduated from high school before serving three years in the United States Army. He lived in Stoneham, ME for several years before moving to Worcester in 1992.
Bob worked many years as a pipe fitter and welder with Local Union No. 4 in West Boylston, MA until retiring this year. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his loving wife “Col”, and his cherished daughter Sarah, who was just as stubborn as he was.. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, playing Keno, scratch tickets, John Wayne movies, watching the Patriots, haddock, and having a shot of “JD”.
The family would like to express its heart felt appreciation to the Doctors and Nurses at UMass Memorial- University Campus and the ACC Building for their loving care, most especially his VNA Care nurse Lindsey.
There are no calling hours. Cremation will be at Rural Crematory in Worcester. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the VNA Care Network, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608-1280. Kelly Funeral Home, 154 Lincoln St., is assisting the family. To share your thoughts and memories on-line, please visit www.kellyfuneralhome.com.
----April 18, 2015----
A MEMORIAL CALLING HOUR with Bob’s ashes will be held from 2 to 3 P.M. on SATURDAY, APRIL 25 in KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St., followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE in celebration of his life at 3 P.M., in the funeral home.