Christopher Tait Gilson

Christopher Tait Gilson passed on September 29, 2024. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1941 to the late Eugene Warrington and Susanna Tait Gilson. Chris had a unique upbringing, spending his childhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, Havana, Cuba, and Geneva, Switzerland. Chris attended the Choate School and graduated with a BA from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. After earning his MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, he married Katherine (Kathy) Naylor Kirby at Christ Church in Easton, MD in June 1967. Their life together began in Minneapolis, where Chris joined General Mills in marketing. After moving to New York City, Chris worked as a consultant with McKinsey & Company. In 1971, they settled in Darien, CT, where their two daughters, Amy Hughlett and Susanna (Susu) Kirby, were born. Chris joined Citicorp/Citibank in 1973, spending 16 years at the bank across various locations, including New York City, Detroit, Long Island, Argentina, and St. Louis. He specialized in mortgage lending and eventually became President of the nationwide mortgage business at NCNB (now Bank of America) in Dallas. Later, he led Capstead Mortgage, a Dallas-based Mortgage REIT, until its acquisition by Residential Funding Corporation. He then became President of Homecomings, Inc., a GMAC Mortgage subsidiary. After retiring in 2005, Chris and Kathy moved to Oxford, MD. Throughout his life, Chris was deeply committed to giving back to the community. He served on multiple boards, including the National Industries for the Blind, Edgewood Center, the Center for Nonprofit Management, the Dallas Theater Center, and the Oxford Community Center. He was active in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford and a member of the Talbot Investment Group, Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club, and Tred Avon Yacht Club. Chris was a true family man; his love for his wife, daughters and their husbands, and five grandchildren was evident in everything he did. He cherished spending time with them, entertaining friends, or sharing adventures on family trips. An explorer at heart, Chris enjoyed a lifetime of adventures including canoeing the Boundary Waters at Keewaydin, climbing the Matterhorn, camping and hiking out West, and embarking on many travels, always seeking new experiences. He had a zest for life that included golfing, playing squash, skiing, cooking, boating, travel, and painting(!). He had many friends who loved his sense of adventure, humor, and loyalty. He was a natural leader and mentor, guiding those around him with generosity and integrity. Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Katherine (Kathy) Kirby Gilson; his daughters, Amy Twomey of Dallas, Texas (husband Matt), and Susanna (Susu) Ribaudo of Hailey, ID (husband Charles); his grandchildren Parker, Mia, and Brooklyn Twomey; Hayes and Christopher Tait Ribaudo; and his brother, Peter W. Gilson (wife Peggotty) of Vero Beach, Florida and Truro, Mass. A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 2 at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford, MD. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to the Church of the Holy Trinity or the Oxford Community Center. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Easton, MD. There will be a livestream available here.

Christopher Tait Gilson

December 3, 1941 - September 29, 2024