Obituary for Gerald William "Buddy" Gilham
Gerald “Buddy” Gilham
January 17, 1947 - April 29, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gerald “Buddy” Gilham, age 74, announce his sudden passing after suffering a heart attack on April 29, 2021, occurring only five short months after losing his wife, soulmate and best friend, Brenda.
Buddy was born on January 17, 1947 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to parents Albert and Nora Gilham. He was one of three children, and he and his sisters Arlene and Janice created many wonderful memories growing up on Syndicate Ave. He attended Selkirk High School, and later went on to work various jobs, including Woodgates Menswear, Manitoba Pool, and St. Joseph’s Heritage. However, the one job that he loved most was being a golf pro in Red Lake. His love of golf was apparent in all facets of his life. He loved assisting and teaching others the strategies of the game, and he was very involved in the Thunder Bay District Junior Golf Association. His sincerity and compassion was appreciated by all those who came in contact with him.
In 1977, Buddy married the love of his life, Brenda Gold, and together they raised three wonderful sons: Tom, Jamie and JJ. They loved spending time together as a family and have so many memories of camping, road trips, sports and family gatherings. He truly adored his boys and their active lifestyle, never missing a single hockey game or golf tournament. No matter the event, Bud was always present and cheering for his sons, the three people in his life he held with most pride.
In his later years, he held another title that he loved even more than dad: Papa. He was a wonderful papa to his five grandchildren: Isabella, Giuliana, Jack, Lucas and Samuel. Babysitting and spending time with these five was the highlight of his day, and the feeling between the children was mutual. They loved his carefree spirit and sense of humour. The beautiful memories that they created together will be forever cherished.
Buddy is survived by his adoring children Thomas (Stephanie Nigro), Jamie, and Jonathon (Patricia Del Paggio), and his grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Arlene (Dick) Toffanello and Janice Ryder, as well as numerous relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Albert and Nora, and his wife, Brenda. We hope they are reunited again and will continue to guide us from above.
Due to restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Because his wife Brenda was a lifelong lover of the arts, a fund has already been created in her name. If friends so desire, donations can be made on their behalf to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Please visit https://theag.ca/donate/ or contact the gallery at (807) 577-6427. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
January 17, 1947 - April 29, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gerald “Buddy” Gilham, age 74, announce his sudden passing after suffering a heart attack on April 29, 2021, occurring only five short months after losing his wife, soulmate and best friend, Brenda.
Buddy was born on January 17, 1947 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to parents Albert and Nora Gilham. He was one of three children, and he and his sisters Arlene and Janice created many wonderful memories growing up on Syndicate Ave. He attended Selkirk High School, and later went on to work various jobs, including Woodgates Menswear, Manitoba Pool, and St. Joseph’s Heritage. However, the one job that he loved most was being a golf pro in Red Lake. His love of golf was apparent in all facets of his life. He loved assisting and teaching others the strategies of the game, and he was very involved in the Thunder Bay District Junior Golf Association. His sincerity and compassion was appreciated by all those who came in contact with him.
In 1977, Buddy married the love of his life, Brenda Gold, and together they raised three wonderful sons: Tom, Jamie and JJ. They loved spending time together as a family and have so many memories of camping, road trips, sports and family gatherings. He truly adored his boys and their active lifestyle, never missing a single hockey game or golf tournament. No matter the event, Bud was always present and cheering for his sons, the three people in his life he held with most pride.
In his later years, he held another title that he loved even more than dad: Papa. He was a wonderful papa to his five grandchildren: Isabella, Giuliana, Jack, Lucas and Samuel. Babysitting and spending time with these five was the highlight of his day, and the feeling between the children was mutual. They loved his carefree spirit and sense of humour. The beautiful memories that they created together will be forever cherished.
Buddy is survived by his adoring children Thomas (Stephanie Nigro), Jamie, and Jonathon (Patricia Del Paggio), and his grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Arlene (Dick) Toffanello and Janice Ryder, as well as numerous relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Albert and Nora, and his wife, Brenda. We hope they are reunited again and will continue to guide us from above.
Due to restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Because his wife Brenda was a lifelong lover of the arts, a fund has already been created in her name. If friends so desire, donations can be made on their behalf to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Please visit https://theag.ca/donate/ or contact the gallery at (807) 577-6427. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.