Arthur Henry James Gillingham
1936-2021
It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of
Arthur H. J. Gillingham of Douglas, NB announce his passing at the
Veterans Health Unit, Fredericton, NB on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. He
passed away peacefully surrounded by some of his family and holding
the hand of the love of his life, his wife of 48 years, Marlene. We
take solace in knowing that he is now in the arms of Jesus. Born on
September 23, 1936 at Kings Point, NL, he was a son of the late Harvey
and Mary Jane (Tucker) Gillingham.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene (Arnold) Gillingham; his children,
Mark Gillingham (Nicole), Douglas, NB and Sandra Storr (Matthew),
Carp, ON; five grandchildren, Katelyn, Megan, Nathan, Bronwyn and
Oliver; siblings, Una Critch (Reg), Pauline Brown (late Bruce), Bonnie
Evans (Calvin), Martha Upwards (late Lawsen) and Wilbert Gillingham
(Chloe); many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Art was a true Newfoundlander through and through. He was so proud of
his roots and even to the end … he dropped and added
‘H’s’ where they didn’t belong. Art was
especially proud of his military service and thoroughly enjoyed Guard
Association activities and gatherings. Art was a very respectful,
humble, stubborn, resilient, determined man and most importantly he
loved unconditionally. He had a special way of making everyone in his
presence feel important.
Art had the gift of the gab, whether you knew him or not, he would
talk to you as though you had been friends for years.
Art was always the life of the party and knew how to light up a room
with a joke or a little jig. In his final few months, some of his
grandkids discovered Art’s ability to rap … he always
obliged with their requests and it made everyone smile. Art’s
larger than life personality was felt by everyone he met. He loved his
family fiercely. He loved attending the grandkids sporting events and
was always encouraging and supporting them.
Not only did Art and Marlene have two children of their own, they
opened their home to several foster children, all of whom he loved and
remained close to until the end. Although the foster children left
their home, they never left his heart and he will forever be their
papa.
Art held many jobs throughout his life (General Motors, Ontario Hydro,
Nackawic Puplmill), but his true passion was in farming. Although
dementia may have taken you before we were ready, we have a lifetime
of wonderful memories and you will live forever in our hearts.
Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation held at
Fredericton Salvation Army Community Church, 531 St. Mary’s
Street, Fredericton, NB on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 10 am to 12
noon. A funeral service (by invitation only) will take place later
with Major Renee Dearing officiating. A graveside service will be
held in Oshawa, ON at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or
the Fredericton Salvation Army Community Church, in memory of Art.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff
of Veterans Health Unit who went above and beyond and we are forever
thankful.
Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
www.flewellingswan.com
19362021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Arthur Henry James Gillingham 19362021..
Décès pour la Ville: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick