Brian Gidlow

Brian died suddenly, and unexpectedly, at home in Newmarket on October 4th 2010 after a lengthy but courageous battle against Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Whitwick, England on October 12, 1943, and achieved a B.Sc.at the National College of Food Technology in Weybridge. He married Sally on August 3, 1968 and emigrated to Canada four days later where they enjoyed a 42 year honeymoon ! Brian lived in Georgetown, New Jersey, and Newmarket and had successful careers in the pharmaceutical and food industries as the President of Johnson and Johnson Hospital Services, and as V.P. of the Canadian Industrial Group at McCormick Canada. He was an avid singer, runner and an active volunteer. He enjoyed singing with the Wesley United Church Choir, the Upper Canada Chordsmen, the Tri City Gospel Chorus and the Aurora Performing Arts Group; he was passionate about the Terry Fox Run, recently completing his 27th run ; he enjoyed time spent at the Persechini Fitness Club and had participated in 3 Global Village Habitat for Humanity builds in the Philippines, Romania and Honduras. He was an ever-optimistic, long suffering, Leafs fan, a Blue Jays supporter and a Toronto Soccer Team enthusiast. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a generous, caring man with a quiet humour and genuine warmth . His reassuring presence and enthusiasm for all he did was heightened by his kind smile and encouraging words. He was a true “gentle” man who will be truly missed. Brian was the much beloved husband of Sally, loving father of Lisa (Doug) and the very proud Grandfather of baby Claire . He also leaves behind his brother Peter (Ruth), niece Helen, and nephew Christopher and their families, along with many aunts and cousins .His sister-in-law, Janet, brother-in-law, Tony and nieces Georgie and Jo and many friends in England and around the world. The family wish to thank Dr. Keith Watson and his staff for their ongoing concern and attention and Dr. C. Chan and the doctors and nurses in the Princess Margaret Hospital Stem Cell Transplant Program. Friends will be received at the Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway, South (northeast corner of Yonge St. & Industrial Pkwy. S.), Aurora on Monday from 1 to 3 pm. A funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 1 pm from Wesley United Church, 15296 Woodbine Avenue, Gormley. Reception to follow. Memorial donations are welcome at the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund at PMH, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 2M9 or to the Terry Fox Foundation. Tributes and condolences to the family may be made at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com.