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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GAMMIE, Wilfred Cecil - It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the death of Wilfred Gammie who passed away in the Palliative Care Unit at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on September 10, 2021, at the age of 94. With loved ones by his side, he slipped away peacefully with a favorite piece of music playing. Predeceased by loving wife Joan Higson (Barber) Gammie, son-in-law Perry Neil Cosgrove, sister Sheila (Gammie), brother-in-law John McCannel, and by nephew John Jr. McCannel and niece Gail Wainwright. Wilf will be missed dearly by his daughter Susan Patricia Cosgrove and son David Bruce (Patricia) and his nieces Cathy and Mary and nephew Bill McCannel. Born in Calgary, Alberta in 1927, Wilf was raised in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces followed by the Navy before a career spanning 21 years with the Canadian Air Force. Wilf had several postings and positions including those overseas. He attained the rank of Major, later finishing at 442 Squadron Search & Rescue in Comox, where he was Lead Navigator on the Buffalo aircraft. Between leaving the Navy and joining the Air Force, Wilf studied Business Management and Administration at the Sprott Shaw School of Business. He attained the position of assistant to the manager of the Empress Hotel for several years. After retiring from the military, Wilf had another long career as a property assessor with BC Assessment before joining D.R. Coell and Associates. He met and married the love of his life Joan in 1952. They enjoyed a marriage and partnership that spanned 58 years. After adopting two children, the young family was transferred to England. The family would return to Canada with stints in Victoria, Summerside, PEI, and Comox. Wilf and Joan eventually settled into their final family home in Brentwood Bay where they were active members of the community. Wilf also sailed for many years in his treasured sailboat. When the time came, he lovingly cared for Joan in their home up until her death from Alzheimer's disease in 2010. Wilf settled into his daily routine of gardening and staying fit with regular visits to the gym. He enjoyed outings with his daughter to the Victoria Symphony and concerts at Butchart Gardens. His passion for music led him to take up jazz guitar lessons in his eighties after already learning classical and folk guitar. He bought himself a red electric guitar and a laptop so that he could learn Garage Band. With the mind of a navigator, Wilf's favorite question was always, "How does that work?" Fond of his routine that included long walks around Sidney and turkey and Havarti sandwiches for lunch, Wilf loved jazz and was an avid reader. He never felt sorry for himself and was always interested in others and their interests. He will be missed by all that had the fortune to know him during his extraordinary 94 years of living. The family would like to thank Dr. Chris Bosman for his concern and care for Wilf during the past few years and the staff of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital's Palliative Care Unit for their caring and compassion. Due to COVID-19, there will be no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of B.C., or the BC Cancer Foundation. (Victoria Times Colonist 02 Oct 2021)
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