Obituary of William Gillen

With heavy hearts, the family of William Havelock Gillen announce his passing on July 17, 2017 quietly and peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. He was born at Antigonish, NS on November 25, 1931 to Havelock and Estelle (Burns) Gillen. He spent his early years at Sonora and Wine harbour NS. The family moved to Halifax in 1941, where he enlisted in The Canadian Army in 1948 and embarked on a military career that spanned over thirty one years. He served at Camp Borden ON, Whitehorse, YT, Churchill, MB, Chilliwack, BC, Korea, Kingston, ON, Shilo, MB, Winnipeg, MB, Ottawa, ON, and CFB Gagetown NB, where he served as the Chief Medical Laboratory Technician, Oromocto Public Hospital and at Saint John, NB. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer (RSM) Western NB Mill District with sub-units in Fredericton, Woodstock, Grand Falls and Edmundston in 1982. After retirement, Bill fulfilled a lifelong ambition and returned to school at St. Thomas University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1997. He was also Past President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #4 in Fredericton and served on numerous boards and committees. He was predeceased by his eldest daughter Deborah, youngest son Patrick and granddaughter Lindsay. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of sixty-four years, Edna (Whitehead) Gillen, daughters Margaret Brown (Mike) of Lamont, AB, Shannon Daniels (Nick) of Ottawa, ON and Kelly Waugh (Peter) of Douglas, NB; sons Lawrence (Susan) of Calgary, AB, Michael (Kary) of Rusagonis, NB, eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He will also be missed dearly by his chocolate lab Casey. Bill loved the game of Hockey. He was an accomplished coach, goaltender and certified Referee. He was a devout Toronto Maple Leafs fan and never missed watching a game of his “beloved Leafs”. There will be a visitation and celebration of life at Branch #4 of the Royal Canadian Legion, 199 Queen Street, Fredericton on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 12-3 pm. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion are asked to assemble for a Legion Tribute Service at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association in memory of William H. Gillen. Interment will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery in the Field of Honour. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com