John R. Gillilan

John Robert Gillilan

July 4, 1942 – May 25, 2023

John Robert Gillilan known to many as coach passed away peacefully in Reno, NV after a valiant fight against a respiratory illness on May 25, 2023. He was 80 years old.

John was born in San Diego, CA to Gibson Gillilan and Amelia Marietti Gillilan. John loved all forms of sports, from fishing, bowling, golf, basketball and many others. He played varsity basketball at Kearny High School, where he was a standout player, earning a place on the San Diego Western Conference all-star team.

John loved his family and loved to fish with family and friends throughout his life.

John served honorably as a member of the Army National Guard from 1964-1970.

He found his true calling as a basketball coach and did that with great success and honor for many years. He put youth basketball on the map in San Diego. He coached High School as well as organized many 8th and 9^th grade developmental leagues. He coached a San Diego county wide high school all-star team which he took to play in yearly tournaments in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Arizona, where his players competed successfully against some of the best high school teams and talent. He loved coaching and truly cared about his players.

John met his partner for life Noel Buenconsejo in 1987 and they have been together ever since for 36 years. They first lived in San Diego for 11 years before moving to Reno, NV in 1998. They formed an amazing team.

John is survived by his beloved partner Noel Buenconsejo and brother Gary Gillilan (Christina). John is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Gibson Gillilan and Amelia Marietti Gillilan and his brother, Albert Gillilan.

John will be laid to rest on Friday, Aug 4th in the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Camp Williams following services at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel at 11:00 am. Please share a memory on John's tribute wall.