Obituary
Ode to Dad
Many days before the lord
Assigned you a family and a home
He looked down on you lovingly
From his heavenly throne
He said “Glenn my son
The time is almost here
And I have to know
What kind of man do you
Want to be down there”
Glenn sat and pondered
As the good lord looked on and waited
Glenn looked down to the earth below
And this is what he contemplated
“My lord”, he said, “the world it seems is so confused
And their decisions are all ill fated
No love and harmony in their lives
Their hearts and mind separated
Perhaps I can learn the secret
To harmonize what has been separated
Perhaps I can be the one
To heal the many who lives are ill fated
The longer I look down on them
The more pain and struggle I see
Is it possible that my life could be served
In learning how to set them free”
Glenn looked up to the throne
And saw the good lord looking down
With kind eyes that let him know
That his path was set, his future cast
His work was to be renown
So Glenn was cast to his earthly life
Like Hercules of old
Many tasks’ laid in front of him
As his story began to unfold
As every story has its plot
With adversary and guardian in tow
Glenn quickly encounter both them
While happiness was his hope
A path of struggle was his to follow
Years passed by and despite the pain
Glenn stayed on his path with grim resolve
A student of every domain
There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve
And in the struggle he gained his fame
His path however was not without error
As is common in every tale
For all true hero’s fall from grace
Showing all lessons come after the fail
These lessons learned along life’s path
Some bitter and some profound
Some lives hurt many lives healed
The tales of his work in many homes abound
I am just a fragment of what I could be
As I sit and wonder what is next
In the story of the life Glenn has given me
But despite the pain and despite the struggle
I am a better man because I am the son of a man
Who will live on in my work and in my memories.
Obituary of an Extraordinary Man
Glenn Gilks was born on January 14, 1939 to Lois and Arthur Gilks in New Hampshire, USA but grew up in Parkers Ridge, NB. He moved his family to Vancouver Island, BC in 1977 where he resided for the rest of his days. His mother, whom he adored, often said he marched to the beat of his own drum which he continued to do until his last breath on January 7, 2022.
Our Father was an avid learner. His curiosity of the world, his intelligence to comprehend complex ideas and his perseverance and stubbornness to never give up, led him to many adventures and opportunities. He was a hard working man with many skills and talents so his careers and hobbies over his lifetime were successful but diverse. Some that he fondly talked about was his own business, ‘Millerton Construction’, where he was the General Contractor. Masonry where he brought in cultured stone to Canada, before anyone else. As a Field Engineer, he was self taught through a couple of textbooks! He even had a short time in the Army. As a young man, he was also known for winning a dance competition or 2. But when you thought you heard it all he would throw in, “Did I ever tell you about that time I joined the Circus?” These experiences became the fuel for his engaging and animated storytelling that always ended with his legendary belly laugh and the occasional knee slap.
He savoured the simple moments that brought out his playfulness. Scaring the cats while they were drinking water out of the toilet. Pretending to blow his nose in his granddaughter’s ponytails. Reading us bedtime stories with silly voices he had for all the different characters. ‘Borrowing’ his son’s Calvin & Hobbes comic book in the bathroom while his laughter filled the house. Playing with his beloved cats and getting a ‘kick’ out of their antics. Never without a ‘Thank you, I enjoyed that’ after every meal as he popped his trusty toothpick into his mouth. Life was challenging so he relished in these moments of joy throughout his whole life. I hope you were fortunate to have been part of a few.
If you ever had the pleasure of walking in nature with our Dad, it would be an unforgettable experience. He was mesmerized by nature and would tell you about every tree and plant, what healing properties they had and how they’d been used in past generations. His vast knowledge was nothing short of astounding but to him, he just felt at home. He took solace in the calm workings of the natural world as his keen awareness to energy was heightened.
Our Dad had a different perspective of the world and had a gift many wouldn’t understand. Fortunately, he was brave enough to follow his calling. He was very passionate and talented in his work and lived the rest of his days as a Health Practitioner in his business ‘Creative Health Centre’. His research, generosity and compassion were his greatest gifts to the world.
While he is no longer with us in body, he will forever be with us in spirit through his 8 children; Glenn Jr, Rocky, Tony, Doree, David, Shawn, Marcia and Greg. His 13 grandchildren and his 13 great grandchildren. I know this was his legacy he was most proud of. Predeceased by his lovely sister Cheryl. Survived by his brother Ralph and his best friend Kelsey, both of whom he had the utmost respect and adoration. He had many beautiful friendships from all over that he cherished. I know he appreciated each and everyone of you.
I know he has touched the hearts of many so we want to create a place to go visit him and have a cup of tea. When he knew he was getting a visitor, he would always go put the kettle on. His laugh, his stories and his presence in this world will never be forgotten. If you would like to contribute to his park bench fund, ‘Have a cup of tea with Glenn’ please send to marciagilks@gmail.com. We will inform you of the location once we have it confirmed.
To send flowers to Glenn’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Glenn Arthur Gilks January 14 1939 January 7 2022 (age 82)..
Telford, Toneff and Boyd Burial and Cremation Centres
Death notice for the town of: Courtenay, Province: Colombie britanique