Alvin Gillies
1933-2019
Gillies, Alvin John
David
It is with great sadness that the family of Alvin Gillies
must share news of his passing. Alvin slipped away peacefully from
natural causes on December 14, 2019.
Alvin was born on February 10, 1933. London, Ontario was home
during his formative years. His father was away at war during much of
his childhood. Raised by a strong, confident mother and the oldest of
five, Alvin learned to be conscientious, generous, hard-working and a
natural leader – characteristics he brought into
adulthood.
Learning was a passion for Alvin. He was the first of his
family to attend university. He received his teaching certificate from
London Teachers College, completed a Bachelor of Arts (University of
Western Ontario) and a Master of Education (University of
Toronto).
He began his career in 1955 in a grade five classroom with 45
students. He continued teaching with the London Board of Education
eventually becoming a Math Consultant and Principal. Responding to an
opportunity to work abroad, from 1960-1963, Alvin taught on the
Canadian Forces Base Baden-Soellingen. It was there he met the love of
his life, Margarete. They were married on April 17, 1965 in Trenton,
Ontario.
Adventurous spirits led Alvin and Marg to move to
Northwestern Ontario in 1970 where Alvin became Superintendent of
Instruction for the Fort Frances-Rainy River Board of Education. He
was promoted to Director in 1976, a role he kept until retirement in
1990. Alvin was known for his dedication to helping all students
succeed and for developing innovative programs in communities and
schools across the District.
In 1998, Alvin and Marg moved to Guelph, Ontario. Alvin
enjoyed an active lifestyle in the ‘Village by the
Arboretum’. He was an involved member of Royal City Daylight
Lodge and in 2018, was awarded his 60-year pin with the Masonic
order.
Alvin was an adept electrician, plumber and carpenter who in
his spare time built the family cabin on Rainy Lake. He proudly
contributed to the finishing of each of his houses, including building
a grand fireplace with stones he collected himself. His hobbies
included photography, reading and fixing the family
cars.
He imparted his love of exploring to his children and
grandchildren. He was privileged to have had opportunities to travel
extensively across all seven continents. He was known for sampling ice
cream, cheese, chocolate and local delicacies along the way. From
street food to fine-dining, he wanted to try it all.
Alvin loved his family deeply and was always proud to
celebrate their achievements. He is survived by his wife Marg,
daughters Charene (Shawn) and Liane (Theo) of Toronto and Leesa
(Steve) of Stratford, one granddaughter (Alexandra) and five grandsons
(Owen, Jasper, Sam, Moses, Darwin). He is also survived by siblings
Eugene (Sheila) of St. Catharines and Sharon Basic of London. His
siblings Ronald (2014), Evelyn (2019) and brother-in-law Ferdo Basic
(2006) predeceased him.
A celebration of life will be held at Gilchrist
Chapel, McIntyre &
Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, Ontario on Saturday
January 4, 2020. Family and friends are
invited to drop-in to honour Alvin between 1 p.m. and 4
p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to
Pathways to Education (www.pathwaystoeducation.ca/)
or to an education-focused charity of your choice. We invite
you to leave your memories and donations online
at: www.gilchristchapel.com
and they will be forwarded to the family.
19332019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Alvin Gillies 19332019..
Décès pour la Ville:Guelph, Province: Ontario