February 05, 1935 - March 31, 2021
Elmer Cecil Chilson Jr. Obituary Elmer Cecil Chilson, Jr. February 5, 1935 - March 31, 2021 Our strong, caring dad graduated from this life in 2021 after a major stroke. He was preceded in death by his mother Katheryn (Marshall) Chilson, his father Elmer Chilson, Sr., his sister Shirley (Chilson) Potts, and half-siblings Ora Chilson and Viola (Chilson) Fields. He is survived by his ex-wife of 25 years, Barbara (Lingle) Chilson, his sons Randy Chilson (Sally) and Darren Chilson, and his daughter Melissa (Chilson) Tudor (Chris). He is also survived by his two grandsons, Ryan Chilson and Andrew Tudor. We will remember Elmer for his numerous career successes. He was a retired Air Force Technical Sergeant who served in the Philippines, Vietnam, and many domestic locations. (Each of us kids was born on a different Air Force Base!) He later became an entrepreneur, owning and operating Fairview Television Repair in Spokane, Spirit Lake Television Repair, and the Athol Motel (twice!). We will also remember his love of cars and ability to repair and restore almost anything mechanical. He was especially known for buying mid-century Chevy Corvairs and Cadillacs at auction and restoring them to their prime beauty and function. He also enjoyed restoring classic stereo equipment, including radios, record players, reel tape players, tape decks, and 8 track players. He donated them to retirement homes so residents could listen to their favorite music and programs in the formats they had known in earlier years. We will especially remember his brawny and jovial personality. He was friendly to strangers, and quick to help nearly anyone he encountered. He gave us kids tender and tough love, and plenty of chores and work to support the latter. He gave to many causes, including regular gifts to Gonzaga University, and participated in his local American Legions. He knew the harsh realities life could provide, tried to have fun anyway, and always parted with the phrase, "See you in church!" We hope his spirit has returned to his youth, where he is driving cars, raising heck with the guys, and watching down on us with pride. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Elmer, please visit our Tree Store
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