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Robert Ian (Bob) Gilchrist
April 14, 1926 - May 20, 2022
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<div itemprop="description">Robert Ian Gilchrist, born in Toronto April 14th, 1926 to Ross and Marjorie Gilchrist passed away May 20th, 2022 with his family by his side in Pointe Claire, Quebec.<br><br>Bob lived his early life in Ottawa and Toronto with his parents and brother Don who passed away earlier in WWII. He took up skiing with friends early, graduated in 1948 from the U of T in mechanical engineering later to marry his U of T sweetheart Frances (Nan) Silver of Halifax and Dartmouth, N.S. July 8th, 1950. Following his passion for skiing and engineering, Nan and Bob's family moved to, and grew in Montreal West and the West Island having four children Jan, Alan, Rob and James between 1952 to 1966. Bob was predeceased by his son Rob in 1995. Jan has one son and two grandchildren; James with his wife Pam Price have one son, James William.<br><br>Away from work Bob dedicated his life to his family, his home and neighborhood friends. He gardened, constructed home improvements, played bridge, square danced and went camping with the family. Bob had introduced his wife to skiing at Collingwood, and later taking advantage of Quebec winters his family skied at the Beaconsfield Golf Club, Rigaud and Owl's Head. Later, Bob and Nan purchased senior's season passes to Lake Louise, Alta for one season. Skiing in Churchill Falls, Labrador the base of the ski hill was at the top of the runs.<br><br>Bob was also a man of first's, long ago he was into energy conservation, so often we heard "turn off the lights if you are not in the room!" and then by taking one of the first solar energy classes where he built a solar panel using black roofing tar paper which later culminated in the building of a solar greenhouse. While his cooking skills began with grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids, his culinary skills evolved to being a master BBQ'er, maker of bread and hot cross buns.<br><br>At work Bob started as a draftsman with Dominion Engineering wielding T-squares, drafting pencils and triangles finishing his career as a project manager, commissioning the start-up of hydro-electric plants, bringing them on-line across the globe. He worked with four Montreal engineering firms, each day walking down to commute on the train, even on the bitter cold days. His work took him to Colorado, Bolivia, British Columbia, Labrador, Columbia, Nepal and Karalla; sometimes with family, sometimes on his own.<br><br>His retirement came earlier than expected but Nan and Bob's life pivoted to the Lunenburg, N.S area where they spent 30 years developing a 10-ac property on the Atlantic coast with a cabin, an R-20 home, living a seasonal life there with family, friends and activities. As true Maritimers would do, they purchased a 16 ft Nordica sailboat and learned to sail out of Lime Kiln Cove, N.S. at 70 years of age.<br><br>For the past two and a half years Bob resided in an independent living senior's apartment with Nan where they could often be seen out walking the halls and gardens at the Cambridge Residence. It was with the assistance of staff from the CLSC, Amika Homecare, Nova West Island, Abovas and meal deliveries by Peter Hickson that they were able to continue living on their own. For this support, his family offers sincere thanks and appreciation.<br><br>Bob has been described as the "greatest gentleman I have ever known"; "what a fine man he was, kind, so gentle"; "He was sweet, kind, and loving"; "He was well loved and respected by everyone here that had the opportunity to meet him."<br><br>It was only over the last month of his life that his health went off spending the last five weeks in the care of the staff at the Lakeshore General hospital.... thank you.<br><br>Donations to one of your local seniors or seniors' assistance groups of your choice we are sure will be greatly appreciated.<br><br>A funeral service will be held with arrival between 1:00 -1:20 pm June 30, 2022 at the Rideau Funeral home at 4275 boul des Sources, Dollard des Ormeaux, Que followed by a 3 pm burial at the Lakeview Cemetery just off the east end of Elm St at 701 Donegani in Pointe Claire, Que. If you have some of your home garden flowers you can bring along for the service... they will be appreciated.<br><br>This will be followed by an hour or two of reception starting at 4 pm with social time, a light meal, storytelling and a slide show at a location to be announced. For the reception if you could provide an RSVP email to janellgil52@gmail.com it will assist us in planning...thank you.</div>