Mark “Mr. G” Gilquist, 63, originally of Lauderdale, died Sept. 26 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
He grew up in Lauderdale, graduated from the University of Minnesota (BS) and St. Thomas (MBA) and became a mathematics and computer science teacher and swim coach extraordinaire. He taught in Independent School District 11 for 33 years at Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine and Champlin Park High School. He also taught at Nequa Valley High School in Illinois.
Mark had an intense desire to fix or build things, even if he didn’t know how, which stemmed from his childhood years working at Park Hardware in St. Anthony Park. His love of food was grounded in his belief that butter was the most important food group. Mark passed on his love of teaching and working out to his children. He was an ironman of strength, living life to its fullest despite Lyme disease and Parkinson’s disease.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paula and Andrew LeRoy, and brother, Andrew II. He is survived by his husband of 23 years, Neil Anderson; three children, Gregory (Yeni Quintero), Ian (Chrisy) and Alexandra; and three grandchildren: Isabella, Landon and Savanna.
A memorial gathering was held Oct. 5 at the family home in St. Paul.
