Dana S. Gilpin
Obituary
On the evening of Sunday, June 24, 2018, Dana Gilpin died suddenly and unexpectedly. She was 64 years young. The family suspects she suffered a heart attack. Dana is preceded in death by her father, Steven K. Gilpin, and her mother, Betty Gilpin. She is survived by her brother Christopher Gilpin and his two children, Kristin and Chad; her brother Tim Gilpin and his two children, Steven and Emma; her favorite “little man”, her great nephew, Calvin, her many cherished friends; and beloved dogs. Dana was born and raised in Tulsa where she attended the University of Tulsa, receiving her degree in fine arts. Over her career, she held many exhibitions in Tulsa and around the country and opened a studio in her home, where she taught art to children of all ages, especially those young at heart. Like her father, Dana was an artist and creative down to the bone. She devoted her life to her passion. She inspired her Tulsa community with her fierce and colorful creativity that was one-of-a-kind. Dana saw the pink sparkle in everything and everyone and will be remembered for her loyalty and devotion to family and friends, her sense of humor, and her lifelong animal advocacy.
A celebration of Dana’s beautiful life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2018 at All Souls Unitarian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. www.animalallianceok.org
Events
Tributes & Memories
Dana was such a bright, spunky light. I love how much she disliked the color brown and the way she simplified her explanations to help kids create. She was thoughtful, ornery, whimsical, and daring. Such an inspiration for all artists, young and old. We love and miss you, Dana!
Maggie Jarrett
What a loss. I have some of her beautiful t-shirts she designed to benefit animals. Many years ago, when I lived at Sundance apts her house was my favorite in the Maple Ridge neighborhood where I would walk. It was very magical with lots of gazing balls. It was a source of inspiration to me (to this day) and how I wished my home and front yard looked. So sad to hear of her passing. Thank you, Dana Gilpin, for bringing magical beauty to our world and most importantly (to me anyway) helping our cherished 4-legged friends. May all the good you have done in the world return to you one hundred thousand fold in Heaven! Godspeed.
Cathy Sullins
Steve Liggett
Lavora & I are Dana's Aunts on her Mother Betty Gilpin's side of the family. She always liked to be called our "favorite niece". We were not mentioned in the Obituary created by Dana's brother Tim Gilpin; and, wanted to be rememered as part of her family. Dana is a beautiful soul full of love & laughter and we enjoyed Dana's lengthy calls to Aunt Lavora late at night. She always made us laugh with her cute sarcastic stories. Dana loved her brother Chris to the end of this world .. and his grandson Calvin "Little Man". Rest in Peace Beautiful Angel.
Lavora Branch & Judy Johnson
I will never forget that little bit of mischief that Dana had in her smile. Her color, her humor, her magic, her art will live on with us all. I will cherish the time I was lucky enough to spend with her and keep her in my heart always. My love goes out to her family.
Ami
Oh Dana, what a great loss! Those times you brought Betty into Dr Dyer's office and we would chat, laugh and talk about our dogs. You always made me smile and laugh. Your art was amazing. My thoughts and prayers are with your dogs and your family, Tim & Chris. RIP dear Dana.
Pam Oldham
She was so funny and sarcastic...which I absolutely loved about her. Since I used to work at Living Arts when I saw her, she would always talk about her memories with Steve Liggett... it we’d mainly talk about our doggies, which all know she absolutely adored!
Mery McNett
Lit a candle in memory of Dana S. Gilpin
Pam Dowd
I still can’t believe she is gone. We knew her through Klein and Sabine and loved spending time with her at the Barnard Family Chaos get togethers. She was funny, talented and just a wonderful friend. So sorry for your loss.
Mary Barnard
Our beautiful Dana "Pinky" Gilpin ... our favorite Niece and Sister. You are a fantastic artist, friend, savior of animals and people, teacher and love. You have left us way too soon. The emptiness surrounds us .. missing your beautiful smile and kind sharing of love and lessons of life. As your brother Chris, I want to thank you for all you did for me to try and help straightened out my life. Nobody else had your patience to deal with all my problems. I miss you so very much and am sorry I didn't tell you how much I appreciated you and your love. Rest in Peace our Angel Dana.
Lavora Branch, Judy Johnson & Chris Gilpin
Such a wonderful person and talented.
Kathy
Bright colors. Spunky spirit. Whimsical designs that made me smile. Love and fun. The biggest heart for homeless animals. Those are the memories that we will always associate with Dana. The Oklahoma Alliance for Animals family and animal welfare community will never be the same. We will never forget you. You left us too soon. -- The Other Dana
Dana Gray
I’m so glad I was able to briefly reconnect with Dana at the Eloquent Craftsmen show. I hadn’t seen her since I graduated in 1980. Yes, love and sarcasm is Dana. Never anyone like her. I will always remember her fondly and with great respect. My deepest sympathy to her brothers and family and friends. Kitty Ross
Katherine Ross (Kitty)