Obituary of Ian William Ernest Gilchrist

Ian William Ernest Gilchrist passed away peacefully at Hospice Fredericton on September 10, 2024, with his wife and daughters at his side. Ian was born August 22, 1939, in Kapuskasing, Ontario, where his father was a Engineer with the Spruce Falls Paper Company. Ian’s parents were John Gilchrist and Mary McMullen. Ian and his mother relocated to her family home in Fredericton during the WWII years while John served with the RCAF. Upon his return, the family settled in London, Ontario, where Ian spent a happy childhood. He spent a year at Neuchatel College in Switzerland after high school, and then enrolled at the University of New Brunswick, and achieved his BscEng in Mechanical Engineering degree in 1964. He had engineering jobs with Domtar Paper, Gotaverken Energy Systems, and contract engineering with NBPEC and Neill & Gunter. He worked in western Canada, USA, and traveled to Sweden for work. He recently enjoyed reuniting with his UNB Class of ’64 classmates at the Alumni Reunion Weekend 2024 at UNB.

Ian was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Eleanor Ramage (Owen Sound), sister-in-law Dorothy (Everett) Smith (London, ON), bother-in-law James (Vera) Ramage (Owen Sound), his wife’s parents Cecil and Bessie Sproull, and sister-in-law Jackie Sproull.

Ian is survived by his wife Wilma (Sproull) Gilchrist, his daughers Ann Gilchrist-Thacker (Andrew), Ottawa, and Allison Gilchrist (Colin Horn), Whistler, BC and his grandchildren Tia, Kirra and Sawyer Horn, step-son Drake Corey and step-grandchildren Sarah Corey and Lawson Corey. Left to mourn him are his McMullen cousins, John (late Carolyn), David & Sharon McMullen, Margaret Colwell, Nancy Gilbert, Jim McFarlane, and many nieces and nephews. He was survived also by the Sproull family: Grace & Waldo Pike, Swana & David Scott, Melbourne & Dale Sproull, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ian’s most loved place was the cottage at Sand Point, Kingston Peninsula, which was passed down from his grandfather and mother. He often talked about how his grandfather built the cottage in 1910, and it has been a well-loved family treasure, where everyone comes to connect with family and enjoy the St. John River. The “round-the-mountain” walk was a daily occurrence, as well as time spent on the beach with the “Sand Pointers”.

Ian’s passions were sailing, fishing, and flying. He owned a Cessna 172 while he lived in Montreal, and loved visiting airports and taking air flights. He spent many fishing excursions with his cousins and friends, fly-fishing on the Miramichi and its tributaries. He had a special relationship with his cousin John McMullen, they were the same age and were like brothers; they started kindergarden together at Charlotte Street School, and remained close throughout their lives.

Ian was very athletic and was on the UNB Cross-Country Varsity Team while at UNB. He skied, both downhill and cross-country, and enjoyed walking and hiking. Ian loved to watch his grandchildren grow and was always interested in their activities and lives. They meant the world to him. Ian and Wilma were happily married for 25 years, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life with family and friends. They traveled to many wonderful destinations, and they loved to visit Ann and Allison and their families in Ottawa and Whistler.

Thanks to Hospice Fredericton for the wonderful and compassionate care given to Ian during the short time he was there. Thanks also to the medical support of the Extra Mural Program, the Pallative Care doctors, and Dr. Wood and Dr. Baird. Thanks to all the family and friends who provided love and support.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick on Friday, September 13th, 2024 from 4 PM to 7 PM. The Funeral Serivce will be held at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick on Saturday, Septmber 14, 2024 at 1 PM with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in memory of Ian to the John Gilchrist Scholarship, in honour of his father, at the University of New Brunswick. unb.ca/memorialgift, 506-447-3122 or Memorial Gifts c/o Development & Donor Relations, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3. Donations can also be made to Hospice Fredericton, Nashwaaksis United Church, and the MS Society.