BLAIR HERBERT GILLSON

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BLAIR HERBERT GILLSON April 18, 1952 February 12, 2008 Suddenly, on February 12, Blair passed away in his 56th year. Blair was predeceased by his beloved wife, Wanda and his parents, Cam and Isobel Gillson. Left to cherish his memory are his brother Dale (Carol), nephew James and niece Sandra. He also leaves several aunts and uncles in Ontario. Also left with a lifetime of loving memories are his second family, Donna, Colleen and Erika. Blair was born and raised in Winnipeg and lived in Fort Garry in his younger years. He attended Vincent Massey Collegiate and then pursued a career in heavy duty mechanics. He followed his father and brother to an early career with CN Rail. After leaving CN, Blair held several positions in the automotive field, most notably at Jaguar Transport, where he spent several years as chief mechanic before illness forced him into early retirement. Blair's passion was for buying and restoring classic cars. He often spoke of the great times he had in the USA, attending car meets and making new friends. His all time favourite car was his 1946 Mercury and he would regale us with stories about his adventures with his Merc . If only that car could have talked ! In 2002, after many years of unexplained emotional turmoil, Blair was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. He was relieved to finally find a reason for the demons that had followed him for most of his life. He struggled valiantly to not be defined by his illness. He was a sensitive and caring man, and, we, who loved him, watched as he finally became the person that he had always wanted to be. In July, 2007, Blair bought his dream property in Matlock, MB. He spent the happiest eight months of his life there, thanks to the good friends who welcomed and embraced him. These wonderful people are: Donald, Bill, Diane, Ken, Trudy, Crystal, Todd, Danny and Kim. He cared for you all. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Blair's life will be held at a later date. If friends so wish, a donation may be made in Blair's memory to The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, 4 Fort Street, Suite 100, Winnipeg, MB., R3C1C4. SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2008