Gilson Family Donation Honors Richard “Spike” Gilson

The Board and Staff of the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive (VMHA) are grateful to the Gilson family for their $5,000 contribution in honor of longtime VMHA Board member Richard “Spike” Gilson who died in early December, 2021. He was an avid supporter of the VHMA and served on the Collections Committee, the Building Committee, and the Finance Committee. He wanted to make sure that the community’s valuable heritage and cultural collections were properly cared for, and the facilities were up to date. This generous gift will be restricted to the New Museum Fund.

VMHA Executive Director Patricia Relay expresses these sentiments shared by the whole museum team:

When I think of Spike I smile and remember how much he was a part of the Valdez Museum family. When the pandemic hit and the Museum Board went to virtual Zoom meetings, Spike came alive. It was so wonderful to see him on the screen smoking his cigars and engaged with the meeting. I can say, we all miss him and his generous spirt.

Once again, thank you to the Gilson family.