Submitted by: Dan Rich

Br. Richard E. Gilson, CSC

Jan. 13, 1943 - Dec. 3, 2000

South Bend Tribune 12/5/2000

Brother Richard Erwin Gilson, CSC, 57, died after an illness of several months on Sunday, Dec. 3, in Dujarie House, the Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame. Br. Richard was born on Jan. 13, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Erwin and Agnes (Lowry) Gilson, one of four children, one of whom has preceded him in death.

He was educated in Cleveland and was a graduate of the brothers' St. Edward High School, Lakewood. He received the habit of the Brothers of Holy Cross on Aug. 15, 1961, at St. Joseph's Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind., pronounced his first vows a year later, and his perpetual vows on Aug. 16, 1968.

After two years of study at St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas, being attracted to nursing as a profession, Br. Richard was assigned to health-care work at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind., from 1964-1966, then at the brothers' new infirmary, Dujarie House, for a year before commencing studies at the Holy Cross School of Nursing, South Bend, from which he graduated as a registered nurse in 1970. He served both Dujarie House and St. Joseph Medical Center, South Bend, from 1970-1974, becoming in 1972 director of Dujarie House, a post he held until 1978. He remained on the nursing staff there until early 1979 when he participated in a four-month program of religious renewal in New Mexico, then joined the St. Joseph Medical Center nursing staff full time, ministering there until illness struck earlier this year.

Dedication to his religious and nursing professions grew during the years Br. Richard served literally thousands of area residents. He was punctual, patient, quietly competent, and by choice retiring, yet always cheerfully available, especially for extra duty. His experienced, knowledgeable and comforting presence as a nurse was valued by patients and co-workers alike. Br. Richard also undertook responsibilities for his province, including for some years serving as moderator of the Associates of St. Joseph, a group of local relatives and friends supportive of the brothers and their mission. His kind and generous presence among his brothers in community is greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. today, Dec. 5, in St. Joseph Chapel, the brothers' Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, 54515 State Road 933 N. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow, with burial immediately afterward at St. Joseph's Cemetery on the village grounds. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.