Stephen Rhett Gillespie

Stephen Rhett Gillespie died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at his home in Linden, Arizona at the age of 64. He was born on January 4, 1950 in McNary, Apache County, Arizona to his parents, the late Guy Albert Gillespie, Sr. and Hazel (West) Fish Gillespie. Stephen went to Westwood High School in Mesa and was very athletic as a young man. While in high school, he excelled in gymnastics and was expert in performing on the trampoline. Even in his adult years, Stephen "wowed" his family by showing them what he was "still" able to accomplish on the trampoline; flips and all! During his senior year in high school, Stephen joined the U.S. Army during the height of the Vietnam War. His service took him behind enemy lines in Vietnam where he saw, first hand, the true horrors of war. When LBJ pulled the U.S. troops from Vietnam, Stephen fell a short distance out of the helicopter that was to bring him back home. Because of that fall, he experienced back pain for the remainder of his life. Throughout most of his working life, Stephen was employed by Salt River Project (SRP) as a water analyst. He was a loyal and dependable employee and always gave his all while on the job. In his spare time, Stephen could be found outdoors, appreciating the natural beauty found throughout the world. He was an avid "ROCK HOUND" and possessed an extraordinary rock collection. Also, he had a special loved for pets, especially his dogs, Annie and Bark. Stephen is survived by his daughter, Stacey Renee Gillespie of Scottsdale, Arizona; 5 brothers: Glenn (Elaine) Fish of Joseph City, Arizona, Merwyn (Lorraine) Fish of Linden, Arizona, Barry (Bonnie) Fish of Lakeside, Arizona, Guy, Jr. (Barbara) Gillespie of Window Rock, Arizona,and Weston (Debbie) Gillespie of Mesa, Arizona; several nieces, nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews. A private family memorial service, with military honors, will take place at a later date. Arrangements are being cared for by Owens Livingston Mortuary.