Saturday, May 3, 2014

J. Brian Gilchrist R.I.P.

Obituary published in the Toronto Star on May 3, 2014
When you search for ancestors, you find great friends. At Brampton Civic Hospital on May 1, 2014, John Brian Gilchrist, beloved and only son of Audrey Long (Toronto) and the late John "Jack" Gilchrist (Calgary). Brian, a proud 4th generation Torontonian, and 9th generation Canadian of English, Irish, Scottish, German, and American descent, was born April 7, 1956 in Toronto Western Hospital. A lifelong interest in genealogy and local history led Brian to a host of friends in genealogical and archival circles. Most recently he was the reference archivist at the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) happily working in the county of his pioneer McClure family. Brian published a definitive genealogy entitled The "Clan" McClure: Historical Highlights. Compiler and editor of Inventory of Ontario Newspapers 1793-1986, Brian also wrote many genealogical articles, and contributed to numerous radio and television programs on genealogical topics. His speeches were full of information and humour-with an unmatched style of delivery that drew crowds. Brian will be missed by many relatives, friends, and colleagues. In April, Brian entered hospital for the last time, after a series of illnesses... "then he slept with his ancestors." Hebrew, 1 Kings 14:20. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto, at Windermere Ave., east of Jane subway, Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at The Cathedral Church of St. James, 65 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. Interment St. James Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to The Cathedral Church of St. James Restoration Fund or Sleeping Children Around the World. Online condolences may be made throughwww.turnerporter.ca