REG GILL

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REG GILL Reg was surrounded by his family at his bedside when he departed this earth on September 26, 2010. After 83 years of proud independence, he spent the final week of his life under the excellent attention of the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre. Reg handled dying the same way that he handled living. He was patient and practical rather than sentimental. He thought of others rather than himself. He was a team player rather than doing things his own way. In the last few months of life, he was generally seen daily by one or more members of his family. The family was honoured by his confidence and patience in accepting their care. As he gradually, peacefully drifted into deep sleep in his final days, he still listened faithfully to his family. He squeezed their hands and touched their faces. Even to the end, he was bathed in his family's love. They were impressed with his fortitude. It is not a surprise that Reg faced his illness so successfully. He has had many achievements in life. He opened up the Western Canada office of a firm, Coughlin and Associates. He rose to become president and half owner of the company before retirement. He had also been successful in volunteer work. He was chairman of a church board, and was on an advisory board for a bank. He was a treasurer for many organizations and was well known in community events. If you knew Reg, you liked him! He and his wife of 63 years, Irene, were actively involved with Lions' Estates. Perhaps most importantly, he cared for Irene faithfully, including after her near fatal heart attack this year. Apart from his wife, Reg leaves behind his sister Elsie Williams in Calgary; daughter and son-in-law Gaylene and Randy Siedleski; son and daughter-in-law Daryl and Eunice Gill; two grandchildren Sara Siedleski and Ryan Gill, and many nieces and nephews. Since his wife was too ill to attend the funeral, it was a private ceremony, out of respect for her. The ceremony was at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens on September 30 where his family expressed their gratitude both to Reg and to his friends. Rather than flowers or a donation, Reg's family asks that you give a loved one an extra hug today!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2010