Thomas Chris Gillett

Thomas “Tom” Chris Gillett
April 16, 1947 – March 16, 2023, Elk Grove, California

Tom was a caring son, brother, husband, uncle, and friend. He passed away at home peacefully on March 16 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Tom was born on April 16, 1947, to Chris W. and Maxine Gillett in Sacramento, California. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother Peggy; and younger siblings David, Chris Jr., and Stephen. He is survived by his wife, Christine; sister Lonna Wack (Robert); sister-in-law Claudia Goss (Robert); nephews Cody Wack, Connor Holdren, and Cameron Goss; and niece Stephanie Gillett.

Tom attended Burbank High School and Cosumnes River College. After high school, Tom entered the United States Air Force where he served four years as an aircraft electrician, stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador. In 1974 he joined Yolo County Public Works and began working toward his surveying license. In 1978 he began his land surveying career with the State Lands Commission and then transferred to Caltrans where he spent nearly 30 years as a land surveyor, retiring in 2009. Even after retiring, Tom’s love of surveying resulted in him practicing in the field with numerous private clients. 

Tom married Christine Gunter in 1974 in Sacramento. Tom and Christine eventually found their dream home in Elk Grove, California. Tom enjoyed a multitude of hobbies including archery with the Lodi Bowmen, fishing, skiing, reading, horse races, wine tasting, and traveling. Tom and Chris loved visiting the California north coast, the Eastern Sierras, and even traveled to Europe twice and drove across the United States twice. He loved Golden Retrievers and raised several wonderful dogs over the years. Tom also made several trips to Mexico with Christian high school students doing Christian outreach.

Tom was a devoted son who cared for his parents in their final years. He had insatiable curiosity, a great sense of humor, and was a good friend to many. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

 A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. at East Lawn Elk Grove Mortuary Chapel, 9189 East Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA 95624.