Gil passed away peacefully secure in the love of his family and friends on August 29, 2019 at the age of 90. Gil leaves behind his wife Melanie, his daughter Sheila Garrett and her husband Brian and his step-son Jason Porter, his grandchildren Avelyn Porter, Allison Kemper and her husband Steve, Thomas Garrett and his wife Maria, Ian Garret and his partner Sarah. Gil was the proud great-grandfather of Mae Leslie and Jolene Ann Kemper. He was a loving big brother to sisters Barbara Thompson and Heurtha Thomson and was predeceased by his sisters Joan Maloney, Helen Weylie and brother Anthony "Tony" Cooper. Gil will be sadly missed by his wonderful friends Barbara and Thomas Dilworth. Gil was a teacher then a principal with the Hamilton Board of Education for 35 years. Gil's family extends their thankfulness to the caring and compassionate staff at St. Joseph's Hospital Emergency Department and the 6th Floor Clinical Teaching Unit. Cremation has taken place and a family memorial service will be held at a later date. If you wish, donations in Gil's memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation.
