It is with a mix of sadness and peace that our family announces the passing of Barry Gilmour on December 13, 2020. He had been struggling with his health for a few years, and it was kidney failure that became too hard to fight. Barry got his wish, which was to spend his last days at his home in Kelowna, BC with his loving wife and daughter by his side. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Beth; his daughter Tammy (Rob and Jake); his son Dean (Linda, Nathan and Braiden); his sister Carol (Don); his maternal Aunt Lil (Al and family); his sister-in-law Peggy from Nanaimo, nieces and nephews; his chosen brother Sig (Linda and family) and many friends that felt like family.
Barry was born to Bill and Fern Gilmour on October 4, 1944 in Nanaimo, BC. Growing up in Nanaimo, from a young age, Barry loved fishing, hunting and all sports. When he was 17, he was the youngest player to be selected to play Senior A Men’s Lacrosse in Vancouver, where he commuted so he could finish high school. Another amazing sporting accomplishment was when Barry water-skied in the ocean from Nanaimo to Parksville, which took him several hours. He also competed on the golf course, card table and pool table; he had a huge passion and skill for golf, poker and billiards. He was also a member in good standing with A.C.T. for over fifty years.
He met the love of his life, Beth, in high school, and they were married on October 30, 1965 in Nanaimo. Barry had been commuting to Port Alberni with his job servicing vending machines with The Ryan Company, and Beth joined him there. In 1967, they moved to Campbell River, where he began working for Hudson’s Bay Wholesale and he worked his way up to branch manager. He and Beth welcomed Tammy in 1968 and Dean in 1969. During their time in CR, Barry and Beth made many incredible friendships through their active participation in the Kinsmen Club and volunteer fire fighting. Barry was a really social guy and his love for fishing, hunting and camping with others provided him so much enjoyment. Barry was promoted in 1984 and transferred to Kelowna, where he and Beth spent the remaining years of his life. While in semi-retirement, Barry leased the Petro Canada gas station that was formerly on the corner of Springfield and Spall. He had many regular customers that turned into friends – that’s just who he was - he seemed to always make an impression on everyone he met.
Barry had the most amazing memory and could tell you what year and how many fish he caught or game he’d hunted. He knew all the local backroads and loved to drive them, especially with friends and visitors. He was a collector, and was so eager to tell stories; evidenced by all the pictures that were hung on his “walls of fame”. Our family estimates that he had enough rods/tackle for about 100 people! He loved to fly fish the small lakes around Kelowna and ocean fish with his CR friends; he rarely came home without his limit, whether it be trout, salmon or halibut. He was so happy to share his passion and loved to take anybody fishing! Many people have shared fond memories of fishing with “Captain Gilmour”. Barry would say the greatest “catch” of his life was his “bride” Beth, and his next greatest catch was the 252 pound marlin he caught on one of their many holidays in Melaque, Mexico. Barry and Beth loved spending part of their winters there, until his declining health made it too difficult to travel.
Barry was such a proud husband, dad, and Poppa, and he was so happy to watch both his kids marry wonderful people and give him and Beth three amazing grandsons. He was also lucky to be a chosen Dad/Grampa to Cindy (Blaine) and Autumn. Barry was fondly known to many other kids as “Grampa Barry” or “Grampa Trouble” around the hockey rink, ball fields and gyms. Most would agree he was the loudest Grampa there, often voicing his opinion with a big ‘ole “Come on!”.
Barry and Beth downsized two years ago and moved into a wonderful condo. It was conveniently close to their favourite gathering place, The Army and Navy Club and Barry in his electric wheelchair and his loud voice were a regular sight there. He talked fondly about the great people at The Club.
Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Jan McIntosh, Dr. Pamela Allardyce and Dr. Edward Welsh for their amazing help. We would also like to thank the palliative care nurses that allowed us to safely and compassionately care for him at home. Due to covid, we have decided to wait until we can have a big Celebration of Life, raise a glass, tell stories and reminisce; which is what Barry so loved and deserved. In lieu of flowers, we’d like to suggest a donation in Barry’s name to the B.C. Kidney Foundation or the B.C. Wildlife Federation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Gilmour family.
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