Obituary of John Bedford Gilmore
In Memoriam: John Bedford Gilmore
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Gilmore, on Sept 15, 2024. He passed away while returning from a visit to the Canadian Maritimes.
John leaves behind his loving wife Debbie of 47 years. He was the proud father of their daughter, Donna, and the proud Grandpa to Taylor and Mallory. John also leaves behind his brother David Gilmore, his sister Jean Clark, his nieces Catheryn and Angela and his nephews Jim, Scott, Andrew, Bob, and William. Additionally, he leaves several cousins in the United Kingdom. He was predeceased by his parents David and Beulah Gilmore, his sister-in-law Marie Gilmore, his brother-in-law John Clark and his father-in-law Lorne Roach.
Born in Liverpool England, John immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952. He was raised in Penetang and St Catharines. As a young man he pursed his interest in stock car racing, winning many New York, Ohio and Ontario championships. John also competed in Enduro motorcycle racing and in 1978 won the Canadian National Championship for Enduro Racing 125 Expert. John attended Brock University and Teachers College. He worked as a special education teacher in the School Board of Niagara until his retirement. After his retirement he pursued his passion for sailing with his wife Debbie. They sailed for over 20 years, from Lake Ontario, down the St Lawrence to Gaspe, around Nova Scotia into Maine, and then continued down the eastern seaboard to Florida and into the Bahamas and Caribbean. For the past few years they 'sailed' a small truck camper up north to the Arctic Circle (on the Dempster Highway), down south to Florida and out east to the Canadian Maritimes.
As per John's wishes, cremation has taken place. Please share your condolences, memories or photos online at www.williamsfuneralservices.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Special Olympics, Sailors For The Sea, and Heart Niagara would be appreciated.
A family funeral service is planned for October 19 at 1:30pm at Williams Funeral Home, 722 Ridge Road N, Ridgeway Ontario.
