Obituary: Kip Randall Gill

Kip Randall Gill

KIP RANDALL GILL of Houston, Texas went to be with the Lord on
February 14, 2008 after a two year courageous battle with lung
cancer. Kip leaves behind his wife the love of his life, Duangporn
(Lek), who he met and married in Thailand, daughter Rachel Vinson of
Akron, Ohio, son Randall, mother Sue Kipp Gill, brother Steve Gill
and wife Jo Lynn, sister Leslie DuVal, brother James Gill and wife
Janette of Almaty, Kazakhstan as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his family Kip leaves fond memories with his numerous
friends and co-workers that he developed throughout his life. Kip is
preceded in death by his father, Raymond Gill. Kip was born in
Alexandria, La. on February 29, 1956. He celebrated only 12 birthdays
as a unique “leap year” baby. He was born prematurely which resulted
in a severe hearing impairment. He began his education in the first
two year old class at the Houston Speech and Hearing Center. He
attended St. Thomas Episcopal School from 3rd through 12th grade
where he participated in numerous sports and school activities.
During his childhood Kip spent weekends at his family farm developing
lasting memories while hunting and fishing with his brothers and dad.

After completing high school Kip earned his degree from Rochester
Institute of Technology in Rochester, Ny. Kip returned to Houston to
begin a long and loyal career at Exxon Mobil. Kip followed his
passion for computer systems by working in the data processing
department at Exxon for 24 years and took early retirement in 2007.

A memorial service to celebrate Kip’s extraordinary life will be held
on Sunday, February 17th at 2:00 PM at Southwest Presbyterian Church,
6033 South Rice Bellaire, Texas 77401. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests that donations be made to a special memorial fund in Kip’s
name to Southwest Presbyterian Deaf Church.

Published in the Houston Chronicle on 2/16/2008.