Ronald I. Gilje

ronald gilje

April 23, 1940 ~ September 12, 2008


Resided in: Redondo Beach, CA

Gilje, Ronald I., a 46 year resident of the Los Angeles area, most recently of Redondo Beach, passed away on September 12, 2008, from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 68 years old. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Judy Golden; son, Tom (Athena) Gilje; stepson, Matthew (Fawn) Liston; sister, Lynn Gilje of Bottineau, North Dakota; brother, John (Debbie) Gilje of Lake Havasu, Arizona; and five grandchildren, Zackory, Abigail, Jacob, Jasmine; and Kacie, who has pre-deceased him. A 1962 graduate of North Dakota State, he received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Ron worked for many years at TRW in management and on various space programs. His work on the first Viking Mission to Mars, the Apollo LEM Descent Engine and the Tomahawk Program, to name a few, was a great source of pride to him. In retirement his passions turned to golf, restoring his 1957 Chevy BelAir , and spending time at his place in Lake Arrowhead. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, September 16, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, at 11:00AM. Both will take place at Rice Mortuary, located at: 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503. Interment will follow in Rolette, North Dakota. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's Research, Attn: Tribute Gifts, at Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780, in honor of Ronald Gilje.

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  1. We were married for 25 years, and 15 of those years were wonderful plus he gave me a wonderful son. I know he’s in a better place with no more pain and with his folks.

  2. Ron was a great friend and we spent most of the 60’s and 70′ together. He was highly regarded at TRW by all who worked with him. He made major contributions to TRW on the first trip to Mars Viking project and worked very close with Cal-Tech scientists and always took on tough technical challenges but left some time out for great bridge games noontime and social. He was a gentle giant and one of the best putters ever! Both Joannie and I (Phil) will miss him. Our prayers are with him. Joannie and Phil

  3. We have known Ron for a long time. We were sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by his family and friends.


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