Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Gordon Bill Gillespie
Bill and Jill were inseparable, doing everything together. Jill had a knack for telling Bill what to do, when to do it, and sometimeshowto do it as well. For his part, Bill was known to roll his eyes and mutter under his breath various remarks about “bossy wives.” Their dynamic was a source of amusement to all who knew them, a testament to their deep bond and special partnership.
Bill and Jill were inseparable, doing everything together. Jill had a knack for telling Bill what to do, when to do it, and sometimes how to do it as well. For his part, Bill was known to roll his eyes and mutter under his breath various remarks about “bossy wives.” Their dynamic was a source of amusement to all who knew them, a testament to their deep bond and special partnership.
Bill held the household together, ensuring the kids were on track with their schoolwork and activities. He was a good organizer—unless, of course, you were looking for his tools, which he never quite mastered the art of putting away.
Bill enjoyed taking long beach walks, searching for sea glass, on the beach at the PEI cottage he loved, where he and his family spent many seasons creating memories with new and old friends and family. Bill’s next great love—for the UK—saw him enjoying many holidays overseas, visiting British relatives, with canal boat adventures in Wales being a particular favourite activity of his.
A national competitive swimmer inducted into the Lethbridge Hall of Fame, Bill’s passion for the sport saw him not only in the pool but at the heart of the Lethbridge swimming community. As a coach, he mentored and inspired many young swimmers, fostering talent and building lifelong friendships within the swimming community across Canada.
Known for his frugality, Bill was a connoisseur of thrift store finds, especially long-sleeved checkered shirts. This frugality was always matched by his immense generosity towards family and friends, for whom he spared no expense.
Despite his practical ways, Bill had a refined appreciation for fine art, 60’s and 70’s rock music and particularly, good single malt scotch. Many memorable evenings were spent in the authentic British pub he built in his basement, listening to “tunes,” sharing some of his finest bottles and imparting the art of scotch appreciation to friends and family.
Bill will be missed. We raise a glass in his honour, celebrating a good life well-lived and a man well-loved by his family and friends. Cheers to you, Bill.
Guestbook (11)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Gordon.
A great guy…
I remember Bill as a swimmer at Pointe Claire with Jill. Although a bit gruff on the outside, he had a good heart and was kind to me and gave good advice. I will miss his adventurous spirit.
So many fond memories of Bill, ranging from swimming, fine scotches, pointing out the space station overhead to trekking into Crypt Lake. A true gentleman who positively influenced so many.
We are saddened to learn of Bill's passing and send our deepest condolences to Jill and family. We have many fond memories of Bill officiating at swimming meets, seeing him in the pool for workouts with Jill, and chin wagging in the steam room (with Chris) on all matters of great import to the swimming fraternity. Chris also enjoyed some exceptional times with Bill declaiming the relative merits of a wide range of single malts. Bill was always happy to share his most prized scotches with good company. He will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear this news about Bill. I know you will have memories of your life together that you will always cherish
Just last night, I was recalling memories of Jill and Bill, swimming friends of old with whom Mark and/or I shared many a conversation while recovering on the ropes at the Max Bell. And then today, I spied the obituary for Bill. My very deepest condolences to Jill and the family.
Thinking of you Jill, and the family at this sad time. Bill is free from pain, but will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you, Jill, Kevin, Lauren and Tria. Bill was an incredible mentor in so many aspects of our life during our time in Lethbridge and Excalibur. On and off the pool deck he had an amazing way of getting the best out of people. Thinking of you, Tonya and Glen Mori
Jill, so sorry about Bill's passing. My deepest sympathy. I will always remember and cherish the old Computer Services get togethers.
Jill and family I’m sending you my deepest sympathy on the passing of Bill. When I left I missed seeing your family at the Dental Office. Take care
My deepest sympathies to Jill and family. The Montreal car pool swim family Kennedy`s ie Sara and Frank remember Bill fondly from their Pointe Claire swim club time. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to you Jill in this time of sorrow.