David Gilchrist

David H. Gilchrist, II, of Alexandria, MN and formally of Maui, HI and Olivia, MN passed away at the age of 92 on July 29, 2014. A memorial service will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN on August 2nd with visitation one hour prior to the service. Dave was born on April 12, 1922 at Olivia, MN to David and Agnes (Matzdorf) Gilchrist. He attended many schools growing up as his father?s job as an engineer required them to move quite often. Dave graduated from Olivia, MN High School in 1942. He served in the US Army from 1942-1945 spending time in Panama, France, Rhineland and Central Europe. In August, 2002, he was awarded a ?Thank you America? certificate from Dominique De Chief, French Council General of the French Government for his contribution in the liberation of France during World War II. On July 31, 1946 he was united in marriage to Carol Bourne of Montevideo, MN at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Watson, MN. They made their home in Olivia on a farm where Dave raised turkeys until 1956. He sold his farm and moved to town and started an insurance and real estate business. Dave was active in his church and community affairs serving as Past President of the Chamber of Commerce, Past Commander of the American Legion, and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge. He also held the office of Justice of the Peace and the office of Mayor of Olivia for a two year term; resigning in March of 1971 when he moved his family to Maui, Hawaii. In Hawaii he started a Rental Car Company and eventually became a Real Estate Broker. After 13 years the family moved back to Minnesota and built a home on Maple Lake in Alexandria, MN. Dave?s lifetime hobby was breeding and raising fancy pigeons which he continued in Alexandria. He has shown his birds at shows in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Kentucky to name a few and has been awarded numerous recognitions for his efforts. Dave dedicated himself to the Master Gardener Program and its activities. These included volunteering time and labor to the Terrace Gardens located adjacent to the Douglas County Library. He also participated in the planning and construction of the Rock Gardens in the same location. In 2001, Dave was recognized and honored to be inducted into the Older American Hall of Fame in Douglas County. A highlight of Dave?s life was eating breakfast every Saturday morning at the Brass Lantern restaurant where any of his children or grandchildren could show up and have breakfast with him. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada and golfing in Hawaii. He loved making memories and will be remembered as a ?people person? and a great story teller. Dave is survived by his wife, Carol of 67 years; four sons, David, Charles, John (special friend Char) of Alexandria, MN and Robert (Peg) Gilchrist of Savage, MN. Survivors also include nine grandchildren; Angela and husband, Bouchaib Nessar of Plymouth, MN; Jessica and husband Matt Williams of Bend, Oregon; Sam of Tower, MN; David IV of Alexandria, MN; Joe Michel of Fairbanks, Alaska; Brian (Melissa) Gilchrist of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Jay (Judy) Gilchrist of Savage, MN and Joel and Janine Gilchrist of Garfield, MN. Nine great grandchildren; Leila Nessar; Brady, Sydney, Luke and Emma Williams; Brayden and Gabriella Gilchrist and Nicholas and Madison Gilchrist. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Gilchrist in 1983 at the age of 32. May Dave?s memory Rest in Peace. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria