John Gordon Gilmour

Our Dad grew up in Saskatoon with his identical twin, James, in the home the Gilmour family built after they emigrated from Scotland. Their dedicated mother, Janet, worked hard to provide her young boys with a good life and an education while raising them on her own after their father died. The Canadian Army lent a hand with the education part, and both sons graduated from the Faculty of Forestry at UBC. Although Dad enjoyed himself tremendously at “Fort Camp”, he worked hard and won a scholarship to attend Syracuse University, NY, where he earned a Master’s in Forestry. He never forgot that time in New York – especially the difficulty in buying “sensible shoes” at a time when all the styles were pointy-toed Italian models!

Dad went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career as a professional forester in Ontario, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories while also raising 5 kids with our Mom. He had a great memory and never tired of trying to teach us to identify various trees by their needles, leaves and bark; sadly, we were all slow learners. Dad enjoyed taking us on hikes, sailing and camping; the memory of him blowing out the kerosene lantern in our tent is a reminder of those days. An avid sailor and very skilled woodsman, he spent many happy times on the water and tramping in the bush, frequently accompanied by a dog or two.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Irene (Mom), and his later-in-life companion, Clare, Dad is remembered and missed by his children – Janet (Richard); Margy (Chris); Chris (Todd); Lisa; John; by John Daniels; by his grandchildren – Alexis; Matt; Chloe (Jules) and Caitlin (Adam); and by his great-grandchildren – Lily, Luca and Avareigh.

Much gratitude to Tom and Laurie Henry for their kindness, friendship and support as well as to our extended family and friends; very special thanks to Dr. Carol Murphy and Dr. Ric Arseneau for their exceptional care.

A celebration for family and friends will be held at a later time. If desired, donations may be made in Dad’s memory to the Stephen Lewis Foundation “Grandmothers” campaign or to a charity of your choice.

https://slf.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/DonationInfo.aspx?seid=8538&mid=50

“But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow

Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow

It’s I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow…

And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me” (Danny Boy)

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Vancouver, BC.