David was born in Miami, Florida, the second of six siblings. He graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a degree in accounting in 1984. David and Sara Sharpe were married in 1987. Their three children, Andrew, Katherine, and Ian, were the joy of their marriage.
In August of 2000, the Gillises relocated to Ouray, having found the perfect village in which to raise their young family. David bought Shippers’ Supply, Custom Pack, in Montrose in 2003. A “high value shipper,” David specialized in building custom crates for artwork, antiques, and other precious items to be shipped all over the world. He leaves many loyal customers who appreciated the work he did for them and will miss him.
There has been no local memorial service. Instead, a family memorial gathering is planned for Miami in the spring. David loved the beach.
David is survived by his children Andrew (Molly,) Katherine Hardwick (Tyler,) and Ian, and a granddaughter, Emma Hardwick, as well as his five siblings.
A proud anti-vaxxer, David succumbed to COVID, after a short, brutal illness. His children wish to encourage all to get their vaccinations.
