DR. CLAY GILSON

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DR. CLAY GILSON It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Clay Gilson. Clay passed away peacefully at his home on June 11, 2000. Clay touched the hearts of so many people during his long life, and while his passing has been cause for many tears its also a time for us to embrace a wonderful man who has given so much to his family, his friends, his colleagues, his community and our nation. Clay was a very loving husband, father and grandpa who brought an incredible amount of joy and laughter into our lives, and we feel blessed to have been a meaningful part of his life. Through his warmth and sincerity he made everyone who knew him feel special, and he was always there to help others. Clays greatest love and most steadfast partner these last 44 years has been his wife, Jean Gilson (nee Rudy). Jean and Clay, the love of each others lives, were married on July 16, 1955. In addition to Jean, Clay leaves behind his four sons, Stuart, Garth, Dave and Brian, and his loving daughters-in-law, Susan, Heather, Terri, and Joann, and his granddaughter, Marissa. Clay also leaves behind his brother Ralph (Rlee) Gilson, his sisters Dorothy (Clarence) Keates and Norma (Al) Urbanski. He was predeceased by his father George Gilson and mother Ellen, his brother Ray Gilson, sisters, Bernice Gulay and Connie Kaye. His family and friends meant everything to Clay, and we carry him in our souls. Born in Deloraine, Manitoba on February 7, 1926, Clay and his family, along with thousands of farm families across the Canadian Prairies, struggled to survive during the hardships brought on by the Great Depression. He served in the Canadian military for two years during the war. Afterwards, determined to understand the causes behind the Depression and how to improve the lot of the Canadian farmer, Clay embarked on a distinguished career in agricultural economics. Clay earned his BA and a MSc from the University of Manitoba and his PhD from Iowa State University (he also received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Guelph in 1987). Clay joined the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba as a professor in 1954. Since that time he has worked tirelessly to help farm families and to prepare the Canadian agricultural economy for the transition into the new century. In 1967, Clay served as the head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. By 1968, he became the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and then went on to serve the university in the role of vice-president from 1971 to 1978. He wrote scores of publications for both the academic community and the general public, and his talents as a teacher were recognized when he received a Distinguished Professor Award from the university in 1981. He became a Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar at the University of Manitoba in 1993. He was appointed the Federal Representative, Consultations on Western Grain Transportation in 1982 and also served as the chairman of the board for the Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation. Clay also served on international trade panels and on the boards and committees of agricultural agencies too numerous to mention. Clay received numerous professional awards and honours throughout his long career. As testimony of Clays dedication and talent as an ag-economist, he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1993. But to Clay the most meaningful part of his life was his family. We all fondly recall sharing the genuine pride and happiness he felt when he helped to organize the very first Gilson family reunion in 1993 and wrote a wonderful book about our familys history a few years later. His infectious smile, his wisdom, his integrity, his modesty and his love for life will never fade from our minds and hearts. From the unity around our family supper table to all of the adventures in our lives, he has and always will be our loving and wise companion. Thank you for being a beautiful light in our lives, and go forth knowing that youve done a wonderful job. We love you very much. Viewing will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and also Friday, June 16 from 9:00 a.m. to time of service, at the Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Ave. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m., also at the church, Rev. Gary Clark officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements in care of Knysh Funeral Chapel, 582-0973.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2000