Wilfred Gillan

With sadness in our hearts, the family of Wilfred Ross Gillan announces his peaceful passing on December 3, 2022, just 19 days short of his 90th birthday. (December 22, 1932)

Everything important to Will happened on “The Point”.  Born the youngest son of Walkers Point homesteaders Jim and Ada Gillan, Wilfred never strayed too far from the original Gillan family farm where he grew up with his brothers Bruce (predeceased) Douglas (predeceased), Keith of Gravenhurst, and sisters Naida Campbell (Gravenhurst) as well as lifelong next door neighbour and sister Janet Lamorie.

Willy always found what he needed in Walkers Point including his teenage sweetheart and love of his life Marie (Grimes) that he “picked up” one day at a Walkers Point Rummage sale.  Happily married for over 64 years, Will and Marie raised 3 wonderful sons in the house they built which overlooks the original family homestead.

After 30 years of dedicated service with the MTO, Wilfred celebrated his retirement with many of the dear friends that he made in his department of highways career.

Known as a kind and gentle quiet man,  Will was a family man most of all. He enjoyed the simple life and Muskoka living.  Those that know him best were fortunate to enjoy his stories and experiences first hand as he entertained them on the patio at tea times.  (or with a cup of tea and a smoke)

As an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, Will shared his passion for the great outdoors with his sons Tom (predeceased August 2022), Paul (Annette), Ross and only grandson “his main man” Morgan as well as many friends over the years.  Will had countless stories that he loved to retell.  Many of them were inspired by moose hunting in the north or deer hunting at their beloved hunt camp in the Fall as well as countless secret fishing holes he discovered.

After a brief 6 weeks stay in hospice, Will passed away peacefully at Andy’s House in Port Carling.  The kind compassionate care he received while staying there will always be appreciated and never be forgotten by his family.  The entire staff took such good care of him when the family was not longer able to at home.  We are blessed to have this wonderful organization available to us so close to home.

The love and devotion by his family during this time is a testament to what a great man Will really was.

In keeping with his wishes, Wilfred decided to be cremated and will be interred in the family plot at Mickle Memorial Cemetery with a “no muss no fuss” private family ceremony.

In the spirit of helping others the family suggest that memorial donations may be made to Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House In Port Carling or South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation, who were so helpful to us in the recent months.