Raymond Giles

Gardner “Raymond” Giles was born in Siren, Wisconsin on April 4, 1923. He passed away on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2015. The first years of his life were spent on the Giles family farm named “Spruce Springs” in LaFollette Township near Coomer, Wisconsin. Before the military, Raymond worked for the Civilian Conservation Corp. From July 1942 until Dec. 1942 Raymond worked for the Butler Shipyard in Superior, Wisconsin. And on January 27, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was sent to Memphis, Tennessee and trained as an Aviation Radioman Second-Class USNR. In the Navy he was nicknamed “Guns” because he held the position as an aircraft Gunner. He was based in San Diego, CA. He served in the Pacific and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Navy on December 7, 1945. Raymond went to work for the Civil Aeronautics Board (today known as the F.A.A.) and was stationed in Hawaii testing and repairing airport radio operations. He bought his first house in Hawaii at age 21. When his work was completed in Hawaii, the C.A.B. sent Raymond from airport to airport in the United States testing their radio operations. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Helen Marie Evans, who worked at the Canton-Akron Airport in East Sparta, Ohio as a ticket agent for Capital Airlines. Married on Oct. 17, 1953, Helen and Ray moved to Los Angeles, CA.. After starting a family Raymond entered the Real Estate business owning an office in Anaheim, California with partner, Ray Parge. He sold his part of the business to his partner, and left to start in the Construction Trade building selling homes; first in Los Angeles area and later in Loomis, California.

In the State of California, Raymond owned his own Contractor Business named Western Craftsman. He was a meticulous builder, a perfectionist, and loved his work. He worked well in to his 80’s. He always helped out and gave a hand to any family member or friend who needed it. Raymond was the most kind, wonderful, patient father, husband and human being his family has ever known. He adored his wife and they were a team from the start. He loved to tease, laugh and sing. Helen and Ray loved watching The Lawrence Welk Show and visited the Branson, Missouri location when Raymond turned 75. He enjoyed singing with his son-in-law, Allan, all the old tunes. He was a humble and religious man, respectful of others.

Raymond (Gardner) is preceded in death by his sisters: Mrs. Leslie Tjader (Alesi), Miss Faith Giles, and brother Robert Giles. He is survived by Helen, his wife of 62 years, and daughters Ms. Raleen Giles, Mrs. Brenda Espeseth and son-in-law Allan Howard Espeseth, Sisters Mrs. Carol (Karl) Johnson and husbands Don, Mrs. June Klein, Mrs. Marlys Karl and brother Emoree Giles, as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed, but will remain in our hearts forever.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 19th at 2:00pm at Lambert Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Blvd., Roseville with a Celebration of Life to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Raymond to one of the following: Alpha K-9 Service Program at www.alphak9.org or 916-400-4337, Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or 904-296-7347, or The American Legion at www.legionsupport.org or 888-991-1131.