Obituary for Brian Gillingham
BRIAN GERARD GILLINGHAM
October 18, 1970 - July 17, 2022
Age 51
As per Brian’s wishes and his direction, I am writing his Obituary on his behalf and keeping all of
his wishes in mind.
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Brian at JPM Hospital,
Gander, NL.
The past 4 years have been quite the journey for Brian who was given a second chance at life
after his massive heart attack in June 2018. This resulted in Brian receiving a LVAD in
September 2018 at the QEII Hospital, Halifax, NS.
To say that this changed Brian’s life would be an understatement as many of the things he
enjoyed to do were no longer a possibility i.e., salmon fishing, hunting, boating, or just
“hanging-out” with his buddies. But through it all Brian’s quick wit and humour; and his amazing
memory and knack for telling stories about his adventures (with a little added fibbing) remained
with him until the end. Brian could light up a room and fill it with laughter and that will be dearly
missed by those who knew and loved him.
Brian is predeceased by his loving mom, Ann Marie (2001), and his beautiful sister/best friend,
Wendy (2019).
Brian leaves to mourn his son Benjamin, who was his pride & joy; and Benjamin’s mom,
Rhonda, both of whom he loved more than life.
He also leaves to mourn his brother Brandon Gillingham (Lisa) and nephews Landon and Leo,
Keswick, ON; his sister-in-law June Penney (Wendy deceased) and his niece Alyssa Gillingham
and nephew Isaac Sangster, Lower Sackville, NS. Also mourning his loss are his extended
family (aunts, uncles, cousins, brother-in-laws) and friends near and far.
Brian would also like to give acknowledgment to his special uncle and aunts who have been
there for him over the past 4 years: Harold & Joan Gillingham, Gambo; Anastasia (Niece) Kelly,
Toronto; Anita Pritchett, Rose Kelly, and Lillian Whittaker, all from Gambo.
Brian also wanted to say thank you to the following cousins and best friends for their love,
support, and kindness when he needed it the most: Cousins - Nicole Kelly-Leyte, Craig
Saunders, Tony Gillingham, Paul Gillingham, Dolores Gillingham, and Jerome White. Best
friends - Craig Dyke, Craig Pritchett, Jeffery Peddle, Joe Boylan, Dave Boylan, Gordie Ross,
and Andy Sanford.
We wish to thank Dr. Roger Baskett, Cardiac Surgeon/LVAD Specialist; and Sonya Osmond,
LVAD Nurse Coordinator at the QEII for giving Brian his second chance at life and providing
exemplary care to him.
Last but definitely not least we wish to thank each of the Nurses on the Ortho Unit at JPM
Hospital that cared for Brian over the past 10 weeks.
A special thanks goes out to Dr. Auhida, Dr. Casey, and our “Guardian Angel” Nurse Sarah
Rowsell - your love and kindness will never be forgotten.
As per Brian’s wishes cremation has taken place.
Funeral Service (by invitation only) will take place at The Roman Catholic Church, Gambo on Thursday, August 11th, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Interment will follow at the Roman Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of his life will take place at the Smallwood Interpretation Center following the Interment.
Arrangements entrusted through Stacey's Funeral Home, Gander - Carmanville.
October 18, 1970 - July 17, 2022
Age 51
As per Brian’s wishes and his direction, I am writing his Obituary on his behalf and keeping all of
his wishes in mind.
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Brian at JPM Hospital,
Gander, NL.
The past 4 years have been quite the journey for Brian who was given a second chance at life
after his massive heart attack in June 2018. This resulted in Brian receiving a LVAD in
September 2018 at the QEII Hospital, Halifax, NS.
To say that this changed Brian’s life would be an understatement as many of the things he
enjoyed to do were no longer a possibility i.e., salmon fishing, hunting, boating, or just
“hanging-out” with his buddies. But through it all Brian’s quick wit and humour; and his amazing
memory and knack for telling stories about his adventures (with a little added fibbing) remained
with him until the end. Brian could light up a room and fill it with laughter and that will be dearly
missed by those who knew and loved him.
Brian is predeceased by his loving mom, Ann Marie (2001), and his beautiful sister/best friend,
Wendy (2019).
Brian leaves to mourn his son Benjamin, who was his pride & joy; and Benjamin’s mom,
Rhonda, both of whom he loved more than life.
He also leaves to mourn his brother Brandon Gillingham (Lisa) and nephews Landon and Leo,
Keswick, ON; his sister-in-law June Penney (Wendy deceased) and his niece Alyssa Gillingham
and nephew Isaac Sangster, Lower Sackville, NS. Also mourning his loss are his extended
family (aunts, uncles, cousins, brother-in-laws) and friends near and far.
Brian would also like to give acknowledgment to his special uncle and aunts who have been
there for him over the past 4 years: Harold & Joan Gillingham, Gambo; Anastasia (Niece) Kelly,
Toronto; Anita Pritchett, Rose Kelly, and Lillian Whittaker, all from Gambo.
Brian also wanted to say thank you to the following cousins and best friends for their love,
support, and kindness when he needed it the most: Cousins - Nicole Kelly-Leyte, Craig
Saunders, Tony Gillingham, Paul Gillingham, Dolores Gillingham, and Jerome White. Best
friends - Craig Dyke, Craig Pritchett, Jeffery Peddle, Joe Boylan, Dave Boylan, Gordie Ross,
and Andy Sanford.
We wish to thank Dr. Roger Baskett, Cardiac Surgeon/LVAD Specialist; and Sonya Osmond,
LVAD Nurse Coordinator at the QEII for giving Brian his second chance at life and providing
exemplary care to him.
Last but definitely not least we wish to thank each of the Nurses on the Ortho Unit at JPM
Hospital that cared for Brian over the past 10 weeks.
A special thanks goes out to Dr. Auhida, Dr. Casey, and our “Guardian Angel” Nurse Sarah
Rowsell - your love and kindness will never be forgotten.
As per Brian’s wishes cremation has taken place.
Funeral Service (by invitation only) will take place at The Roman Catholic Church, Gambo on Thursday, August 11th, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Interment will follow at the Roman Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of his life will take place at the Smallwood Interpretation Center following the Interment.
Arrangements entrusted through Stacey's Funeral Home, Gander - Carmanville.