Linford Francis Gilliland

Linford Francis Gilliland passed away at the age of 82 on October 10th, 2025. Linford had a big heart, was known to lend a helping hand whenever, and had many lifelong friendships.

He was born on February 27, 1943, to Max and Polly Gilliland in Pendleton, OR and the youngest of 3 children (Kenneth, Connie, and Linford). He grew up in Ukiah, OR where he graduated from Ukiah High School in 1961. He continued his education at Eastern Oregon College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies and graduated in 1965. Following his academic pursuits, he built a long career with Ingersoll Rand Equipment as a Credit Manager and Service Parts Manager.

Most of his adult life he lived in the suburbs of Portland. Throughout his life he enjoyed many social and physical activities that brought him happiness. In his young adult years he was on men's basketball and softball teams. He hunted with both rifle and bow, and looked forward to the time spent hunting deer and elk with his sons. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course. Summertime weekends were spent at “The Ranch” for some fun in the sun - boating and water skiing. Sightseeing adventures included road trips on his Gold Wing and Cruises - both accompanied by his wife Judy and their core group of friends.

Linford retired at the age of 58, with over 25 years at Ingersoll Rand. He relocated his primary residence to Crooked River Ranch. Retired life found Linford on the golf course a little more frequently not only for the game, but he took a job he enjoyed - mowing fairways at CRR golf course. He loved ATV/UTV riding and proudly claimed to have developed the majority of the trails on BLM land that bordered his property. Linford had a talent for woodworking, finding particular inspiration in working with Juniper wood, making various items such as lamps, coat & shoe racks, mantels, headboards and walking sticks. Though he had always enjoyed chess, he eventually took his game online. It wasn’t uncommon for him to have multiple games going at once with various online players from all over the world. If you found him in his recliner with a laptop, more than likely he was playing chess. He took up Sudoku, you could find clipboards with sheets of Sudoku throughout the house (and bathrooms)!

As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Linford leaves behind an enduring legacy. He is survived by his spouse of 47 years, Judy Gilliland; sons, Brian Gilliland and Corey Gilliland; daughter, Angie Thompson; sister, Connie Bates; and grandchildren, Brittany Johnson, Beau Thompson, and Parker Thompson.

Linford's life was marked by dedication, creativity, and an unwavering love for his family. The love Linford shared with his family and friends will be greatly missed, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Truestory;-)