Obituary of Bruce Gill

With great sadness we announce that our Dad, Edward Bruce Gill passed away on August 31, 2024. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife and our Mom, Carol Joan Gill (née White) who passed away on August 31, 2017.

Dad was born in Ottawa on November 8, 1938, to parents Albert and Theresa Gill (née Maxwell). Dad attended Fisher Park HS in Ottawa, spent some time working for Canada Post after graduation, then moved on to a very successful career in the insurance industry. After 30+ years in the industry Dad retired as a VP for Co Operators Insurance. His senior leadership role took Dad and the rest of us across the country, spending time in Ottawa, Scarborough, Richmond B.C. and Guelph. When Dad finally retired, he and Mom moved back to their hometown of Ottawa where they resided until they both passed.

Dad spent many years supporting The United Church, volunteering for several charitable causes and also agreed to manage some of the many youth sports teams we played on. Dad somehow successfully juggled a career, marriage, 4 children and as many activities as we could possibly participate in. We cannot begin to calculate the hours Dad spent chauffeuring us to and from hockey, lacrosse, synchronized swimming, track and field, kayaking, football games, and practices. The car coaching was intense. When we stopped playing sports the chauffeuring didn’t end, as it was now Dad’s opportunity to provide the same level of support to his grandchildren. There wasn’t a destination Dad wouldn’t travel to if it meant supporting and watching a family member participate in a sporting activity or event. To say Dad was proud of his family would be an understatement.

Dad was a loving, kind and doting husband. The wedding vow “through sickness and in health” were words he lived by as Mom’s health unfortunately deteriorated over the years. Dads’ commitment was unquestioned and his love for Mom unwavering. His legacy was one of putting family first and foremost, and supporting each other no matter what the situation. Dad would expect nothing less from us.

Dad is survived by his 4 children, Devon (Brian), Peter (Bobbi), Cathy (Troy) and David. Dad will also be forever remembered by his 11 grandchildren, Colin, Emily, Adam, Courtney, Chelsey, Jake, Cameron, Luke, Natasha, Hudson, Delaney and 2 great grandchildren Billy and Hannah as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Albert and Theresa Gill, brother Eldon Gill (Audrey), brother Delmer Gill (Shirley) and sister Donna Workman who is survived by her husband Ken.

Dad is finally at peace after a courageous 3-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Dad was a strong, stubborn fighter but inevitably passed on the same day as his beloved Joan. We believe Dad had a plan and he fought valiantly to hang on for that particular day. They are together again, in peace, finally without pain and smiling down on us.

Dad will be laid to rest at Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa alongside Mom and several other family members. A celebration of life will occur at a later date. On behalf of our family, we appreciate and thank everyone who helped support and care for our Dad over his final months and days. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dad, we cannot thank you enough for all you have done. You have provided us with the best example of what a dad is: a caring, humble, selfless, protective and charitable provider who puts his family first. Your legacy is intact for many generations to come. We paid attention to your life lessons.

We love you and miss you, please say hi to Mom for us.