John Barrie Gilbertson

John Barrie Gilbertson entered this world to his loving parents Ivy and John (Jock)
Gilbertson, May 10th, 1935, Vancouver, B.C. and peacefully passed surrounded by
his loving family October 4 th , 2022, Victoria, B.C..
Survived by his loving wife of 63 years Bessie Madeline Gilbertson (nee Brisbin);
daughter Monique Nicholson, Doug Nicholson (husband); daughter Sophia (Trish)
Duran-Cruz; grandsons Brandon Nicholson, Kyle Nicholson, Joshua Campbell,
Matthew Campbell; sister- in- laws Lorna Brisbin (Ont), Shirley Fredericks (Ont),
Audry Hogg (QC); nieces Shelley Fredericks, Jeannine Vanderbeek, Leeschell ,
Angie ; nephews Robert Brisbin, Michael Brisbin, Jeff Sequi, Scott Sequi, Greg
Sequi, Stephen Fredericks, Kelly Hogg, Maurice Jr. Pursey; cousins Cathy Nuggent,
Arlyn Wilson, Edward Hutchinson (Lerwick Shetland), Ian Duncan (South Shields),
Scott Duncan (South Shields), Rick Seaton, Eric Seaton.
Predeceased by his Mom Ivy and Dad John; aunt Mable Seaton; cousins Ernie
Seaton, Wilma Halcrow, William Duncan; brother-in-law Bill Brisbin; sister-in-laws
Anna Sequi, Dorothy Sequi, Helen Pursey.
Dad met Mom at a mutual friend’s home in 1957. In 1959 they married in the St
John the Divine Anglican Church, Vancouver, B.C.. Dad growing up attended
church with his Mom and Dad and sang as a soloist in the church choir.
As a wee lad Dad modeled boys clothing for Sears, helped his Mom in the family’s
ice cream shop, delivered over 100 news papers after school and enjoyed singing
and playing the trombone, guitar, accordion, and drums. Dad shared a love of
singing with his Mom – often accompanying her on the piano playing the
trombone.
Dad and Mom enjoyed lively Saturday midnight outings with friends at the
Armories in Vancouver. Dad loved dancing. Saturday nights filled with wonderful
friends, food, drinks, music, and Dad’s childhood friend Gary Neustead playing the
piano.
Long lasting friendships forged throughout the years. They enjoyed gatherings in
their homes; hor dourves, drinks and casual neighbor drop- in were part of their

daily lives. Avid hockey fans, especially the Vancouver Canucks, saw
neighborhood gatherings over wine and cheese.
In 1964, Dad and Mom traveled for 3 weeks through England, Scotland, France
and the Shetland Islands visiting Dad’s family. Dad quickly learnt to drive on the
right hand side of the road.
In 1975, Mom and Dad adopted Monique and Sophia (Trish) from Ecuador, South
America. The family of 4 enjoyed many adventures on the Golden Saber
exploring the ocean and the Gulf Islands and relaxing summers in Dad’s favorite
holiday spot, the Sea Edge Motel, Parksville. Dad lovingly expressed how proud
he was of his daughters and how “the girls were his greatest accomplishment”.
Barrie’s Furniture and Appliances stored opened 1979-1985 in Duncan, B.C..
A natural sales person, Dad worked with the Dodd family for many years selling
furniture. Dad’s voice filled the radio waves over the years advertising Dodd’s
Furniture.
The years 1992-1996 Dad’s grandsons were born. Brandon, Kyle, Joshua, Matthew
brought forth the greatest belly laughs from Grandpa. Dad always shone when his
grandsons were around.
Dad spent a lifetime volunteering for the Canadian Power Squadron. Teaching and
getting to know his students brought Dad a great sense of fulfillment.
Dad volunteered for the Coast Guard, despite not knowing how to swim. Each
time Dad responded to an emergency, Mom was concerned, even though Dad
wore the full body floatation suit.
Dad volunteered for the Canadian Power Squadron as Commander for Cowichan,
Victoria and Brentwood; Training Officer for the National Canadian Power
Squadron and VHF course. Dad taught alongside his dear friend Len. Dad and Len
took time to customize their teaching to meet the needs of the individual student
to ensure each student succeeded. Dad also enjoyed teaching the Marine Radio
Operators course for Archipelago.

Dad loved his family, loved his friends and loved a good and bad joke. Dad
treasured his Camden Avenue friends – Andre, Bev, Kathy, Marilee. Dad’s
laughter, full smile and kind heart will forever shine in our memories and our
hearts. We Love you.

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