Obituary of John Gillick

GILLICK Peacefully, at Bobier Villa, Dutton on Thursday, December 30th, 2010. John Gillick, formerly of Rodney in his 80th year. Survived by his wife of 58 years Theresa Gillick. Dear father of the late Shirley Sura, Michael Gillick (Lynda) of Calgary, Stephen Gillick (Karen) of Dutton, the late Kenneth Gillick and Sheila McIntyre (Bill) of Sparta. Proud grandfather of David, the late Kevin and Thomas Jr. Sura, Mathew Gillick, the late Dustin Gillick, Clayton Gillick and Jacob, Zachary and Victoria Salton. Also survived by 3 great grandchildren, Avery, Tatum and Chance and his brother Fritz Gillick, sister Eva Gangle and many nieces and nephews. A private family service will be conducted. If desired, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated as your expression of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to Denning Funeral Directors (519 785-0810). For more about John, please visit www.denningfuneralhome.com John Gillick's Journey John was born in Romania on July 8th, 1931. He was 7 years old when his family of 5 immigrated to Canada. His parents, older sister Eva and younger brother Fritz settled in Lake Lenor, Saskatchewan around 1938 where there was already direct family members homesteading. The family then moved to the Belle River area for sometime. His parents last move was to Rodney in the early 50's and started growing Tobacco. John married Theresa Sabo on October 18th, 1952 and bought a farm on Back St., Rodney. There they worked extremely hard and raised 5 children; Shirley, Michael, Stephen, Kenneth and Sheila. They grew tobacco until 1974 and from then on they cash cropped and raised beef cattle in the feed lot they had built. John won many awards for his tobacco at local competitions. Our parents were proud people working hard to give us the things they didn't have themselves growing up. We have many proud and fond memories of back home on the farm. The best ones involved family gatherings with neighbours, barbeques, tobacco parties and friends who would come from near and far. Everyone was extremely happy. Dad's calling was tobacco, so he always cured for other people for years after no longer growing himself. He also loved to be with his cattle and the farm. They grew an awesome garden. During the 80's mom and dad farmed with their son Michael and his wife Krista and their son Mathew. They farmed until 1990 and then semi-retired in the Rodney area. They then moved to Port Stanley. During his life he belonged to the legion, Knights of Columbus and the Lion's club of Port Stanley. As children our most cherished memories are our many many trips to dad's favorite place, the family cottage at Port Loring, Ontario, Charter Lake. There we would be trucked back to the lake with out a worry in the world.. Fishing, swimming, hiking and waterskiing to your heart's content. Spending time with our good friends the Szabo family from Rodney who also had their cottage on Charter Lake. It was here that dad would relax and unwind from daily life at home. He was extremely proud of his little place in paradise and we were very fortunate to have been there with them. These memories of Charter Lake will never leave us. Dad's character traits of hard work and honesty , do the best at what you do and look after your family prepared us for life as adults. He loved his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his many friends and relatives. We say good bye to you dad, but you will be in our hearts forever. Love your family.