Theodore (Thed) Milton Gillet, 23, of Phoenix Ariz., and formerly of Coldwater, died in an automobile accident at Flagstaff, Ariz., Thursday, July 3, 1986.

The son of Clarence and Gail Gillet of Coldwater, Thed was born in Coldwater Dec. 3, 1962. He was a 1981 graduate of Coldwater High School.

He was a medical supplies salesman in Phoenix.

His survivors include his parents; two sisters, Quann Kuhl of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Ledella Corr of Phoenix; and his grandmother Icle Nokes of Coldwater.

Graveside services were held at Crown Hill Cemetery Monday, July 7, 1986, Rev. Linda Robinson officiating. Pallbearers were Mike Jessup, Leon Reed, Terry Edwards, Mark Williams, Darren Jackson and Randy Edwards, all of Coldwater.

As his family remembers Thed:

"Thed always said he would live forever, and he will, in the hearts and memories of everyone that he touched.

"We will remember his enthusiasm for life. He was never an observer, but competitor. He could not approach any endeavor halfway...what he believed in was always worth his full attention and strength. If he had fears, he subdued them, and truly faced every problem as a challenge. He had a motto, and it was 'Go for it!' And he had a way of inspiring those around him to see things in the same light-consider the risks and the possibilities, and give your full strength to turning aspirations into realities.

"We will remember his strength, and ability and willingness to lend that strength to others. He expressed his care and concern with actions rather than words. He lifted depression and doubt with new ideas and fresh approaches-he would not admit defeat for himself or for those he cared for. His gift was a contagious optimism and the will to succeed.

"We will remember his ability to find and bring out the best in those he touched. He was not naive and he was not a blind optimist; but by choosing to concentrate on what was good and positive in every person and situation encountered, he compelled us all to rise to his level and respond to the enthusiasm for life that radiated from him.

"We will remember our 'Bro' for some of his favorite things:

• "Home - where he was 'home' was Coldwater.

• "Family - Mom, Pop, Grandma, Q, Del, Tim. John and his nephews, Dameon and Jeremy-and countless aunts, uncles and cousins - to whom he gave so much of himself.

• "Friends - too many to name...each one special to him.

• "Rock 'n Roll - as loud as it gets.

• "Pizza - delivered to his door.

• "Pictures of mountains and the people he loved and old houses leaning in the wind.

• "Fast cars, loud parties, quiet walks in the woods, camping in the snow.

• "Late night talks about dreams and hopes and the endless possibilities of life."

---

In Memory of Thed Gillet

When I die
Give what's left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die
And if you need to cry
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you
And when you need me
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give me

I want to leave you
something
Something better
Than words
or sounds

Look for me
In the people I've known
or loved

And if you cannot give me away
At least let me live on your eyes
And not on your mind

---

Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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