Kate’s Notes:  Sadly, L. M. Gillilan did not live long enough to enjoy years of a happy retirement with friends and family.  In September of this same year he passed away after battling a lingering illness. An older brother, John David Gillilan, was killed in an accident in February of this same year.

The Salt Lake Telegram
Salt Lake City, Utah
June 7, 1935

Retirement of Part-Time Director
Marks Closing of Salt Lake Schools

    The oldest and youngest – the latter among 33,000 others – bid farewell Friday to Salt Lake City schools.
    Summer vacation has started.
    Maintaining his characteristic philosophy and sense of humor, L. M. Gillilan*, director of part time education in city schools, retired after 54 years, including 42 in Salt Lake City, in the teaching profession.
    “I didn’t intend this. I t grew on me, “ said Mr. Gillilan to Superintendent L. John Nuttall Jr. and the administration staff assembled in the city commission chamber at city hall to pay respects to the oldest, in point of service, member of city schools’ staff. He was presented with a pen and pencil set.
    “When I was teaching I was digging in pay dirt,” he said. “Every stroke carried its pay. There are those in this group whom I’ve disciplined, but none more than the editor, then a boy, of a local newspaper. And I maintained his deepest respect. Friends, I thank you. I shall not forget you.”
    Mr. Gillilan was born in Ohio, May 27, 1863. He has served as teacher or in an executive capacity under every superintendent  since the Salt Lake City school district was organized more than 40 years ago.
    The veteran educator laughed heartily when asked what he will do upon abandoning his desk at school headquarters. However, it is known that he has an improved small farm in southern Utah which will claim some of his time.
    Leavetakings in the 40 school buildings in the city were equally impressive in many respects. Teachers bidding au revoir to the thousands of youngsters registered mingled feelings of regret and relief.
    School’s out until next September, when the bell’s clarion call will assemble teachers and pupils for a new term.

-	transcription by Kate Maynard, 2011

*Lewis McClellan Gillilan, brother to minister Dr. John David Gillilan, writer/humorist Strickland Gillilan, and physician Dr. E. E. Gillilan. A photo of L. M. Gillilan accompanied the original newspaper article.