A beloved Husband, Father, and Papou, Henry Clay "Bill" Gaskins passed away peacefully on the night of June 4, 2020, with his loving family at his side. He was 76 years old.

Born May 10, 1944, in Lancaster, CA, Bill spent the early part of his life in California's Central Valley before his family moved to Southern California and settled in Nuevo, CA. The oldest of five, Bill was the perfect example of the best big brother to his four younger sisters. He was their protector, mentor, and friend. Always a determined man, at the young age of 13, Bill began working at the local chicken ranch in Nuevo, where he worked so very hard to save money to buy his first scooter. In high school, Bill, along with many of his childhood friends, participated in the high school car club. With his passion for all things automotive, Bill began working at the local automotive shop in Perris, CA after he graduated from Perris Valley High School in 1962. From 1965 to 1967, Bill proudly served in the United States Army as a Sergeant/Spec. 5 (SGT/SP5), serving one year in the Vietnam War. He was proud of this country and the life he was able to live and provide for his family.

In 1966, while home on leave, Bill met the love of his life, Helen Polopolus, of Baldwin Park, CA. While they did not immediately begin dating, Bill was certain that Helen would be his wife one day. Years later, Helen and Bill did start dating. After only three months, Bill asked Helen to marry him. And Helen, being the strong, independent woman that she is, told him "It has only been three months! When the night is filled with stars, I will give you my answer." Each night that they were together, Bill would always tell her "It looks like there are quite a lot of stars in the sky." After a few more months, and Bill continuing to look up into the sky at the stars, hoping for her long awaited answer, she said "Yes, there are quite a lot of stars in the sky tonight." She then gave him the answer he had patiently waited for so long. In 1973, surrounded by their loving family and friends, Bill and Helen were married at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA – and the rest is history. Helen loved her Bill with all her heart. She always felt loved, protected and at ease with Bill by her side. While they were somewhat opposites, him being the laidback, all-American boy, and her being the fiery, independent Greek girl, they could not have been any more compatible in this love story. She was his everything. He would sacrifice it all if it meant making his "Sweet Len" happy.

Not long after getting married, Bill converted to Greek Orthodoxy and made the promise to God to raise his family in the faith. Since the late 1970s, Bill and Helen, along with their two sons, have been members of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in San Bernardino, CA.

Prior to marrying Helen, Bill felt a calling to serve and protect, and it was at that moment that he joined the Perris Police Department as a Reserve Officer. Shortly after, Bill was sworn in as a Peace Officer, where he quickly moved up in rankings, achieving the rank of Commander. There were many long periods of time where Bill served as acting Police Chief for the Department. While all wanted and knew he was capable of taking on a permanent role of Chief of Police, Bill knew that a position like this would take him away from his family with the long hours and expectations that came with it, and in the end, Bill never wanted the position in a permanent capacity – his family meant more than anything. After 38 years in law enforcement, serving with the Perris Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff, Bill retired in 2008.

His retirement came four years after the birth of his first grandson. He gave the name "Papou" a whole new meaning. It was one of his greatest moments. Years later, he was blessed with two more grandchildren. Papou, to his grandchildren, was everything. He never missed a sports event, school performance, always made it his top priority to stick to his word when he gave it to his loving grandkids. The memories he has given them will be memories they will hold onto and pass on to their own children one day.

Bill will be remembered by that genuine smile and warm hug he always gave to others. He was truly the happiest man, easy going, and always willing to listen and give you positive feedback that everyone took to heart and knew was right. He was a gentle man. He always made people feel welcomed, comfortable, and appreciated. He was kind and considerate to any one he met in life, and always made people feel loved.

His family meant the world to him. He provided unconditional love and guidance to his two sons. He was the most patient man ever, regardless of the circumstances. He was always willing to sit and talk with them about life, its ups and downs, and how to get through it all in the most positive way. He was always there for those special moments in their lives, and always so proud. He was the best "Baba" any child could ever have in their life.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Louise Gaskins. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Helen of Perris, CA; his two sons, Christopher (Kari) of Menifee, CA and Nikolas of Irvine, CA; his grandchildren - who think the world of him – Yanni, Eleni, and Niko of Menifee, CA; his sisters Mary Lou (Jim) Underwood of Perris, CA, Betty (Mauro) Rossetti of Upland, CA, Susan (Patrick) Blakley of Nuevo, CA and Donna (Mike) Grable of Perris, CA, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through his family and all those that knew him and loved him.

May his memory be eternal.

Zoi Se Mas!

A private service will be held to honor Bill, his Greek Orthodox faith, and his military service. A Facebook live-stream broadcast will be provided by Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral for those that wish to participate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a family in need or the charity of your choice.

Trisagion & Funeral Service – Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:00 a.m.
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Los Angeles, CA
www.facebook.com/StSophiaLA

Interment - Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 11:30 a.m.
Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside, CA

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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