GILLIAN GILES

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GILLIAN GILES

Gillian Giles of Winnipeg passed peacefully in Seven Oaks Hospital on the morning of February 27, 2025.

Gillian is survived by her partner Kent Morgan and her two nieces in England, Alexis Allen and Holly O’Connor, along with Holly’s husband Brett and their children, Brook and Finn. She also will be missed by her brother-in-law in England, David Allen, Kent’s sister Marybet Gilroy, and Marybet’s family in BC. Gillian had a number of relatives in eastern Canada and England. She was predeceased by her parents, Mae and Ted and her twin sister Valerie.

Gillian was born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England in 1947 and grew up there except for a brief period in Tripoli as a young girl when her father was stationed there. After completing secondary school, she graduated from Doncaster Technical College and obtained employment with a Doncaster law firm. She emigrated to Canada and settled in Edmonton where she first worked in a law office. She then obtained employment with Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

She first connected with Kent of the CMHC Prairie Regional Office when she was unhappy that he edited a write-up written for the corporation newspaper by Gill Giles, who he thought was a man. On his first trip to Edmonton, Gill was assigned to coordinate the staff working with him on the Edmonton home show. He discovered how wrong he was and that Gill was a beautiful and intelligent woman. They resolved their differences and made a strong connection, which led to Gillian relocating to Winnipeg in October 1972.

On October 23, she found employment with Smith Carter Architects and Engineers, an association that continued until her death. Her first position was executive secretary to the managing partner Ernie Smith. Over the next few years, she studied during the evening and weekends at the University of Winnipeg and Red River Community College where she obtained a continuing education business certificate.

Smith Carter did not have a marketing division, so Gillian took up a challenge from Mr. Smith to establish one. She met that challenge and eventually was appointed marketing director. As Smith Carter expanded its work internationally, Gillian travelled to many locations in the United States and Europe, to Mexico, and made one trip to Moscow. After Smith Carter opened an office in Atlanta, GA, she spent a great deal of time there and added a marketing role for the USA. She made several trips to the Ukraine as part of the Canada/Ukraine Business Initiative.

The many business journeys across the pond came with a bonus as Gillian often was able to visit her family in Doncaster over a weekend before flying home. Visits with Kent to celebrate her parents’ Golden Wedding Anniversary and to bring in the Millennium with Valerie and David were special.

The best way to describe Gillian was as a workaholic. For many years, she worked many overtime hours both in the office and at home. Despite changes in her role at what is now known as Architecture49 and dealing with serious health issues over the years, she had no desire to retire and continued to work full-time well past retirement age. Since COVID, she worked in her home office until her related health issues of lung cancer, breathing problems, and pneumonia hospitalized her. Having worked so long with the firm, she was the firm’s historian.

In a message to Architecture49 staff, Director of Marketing and Business Development Heather Smith described Gillian as “an iconic A49 figure.” She called her passing as “the loss of a friend, a colleague, dedicated employee, perfectionist, cheerleader, loving aunt, office grandmother, and most importantly, a kind and empathetic soul.” Tributes came from A49 employees across the country and many spoke about her frank and sincere advice and her dedication and legacy.

Gillian was an early advocate of the Apple computer. She loved her iPad and iPhone and enjoyed listening at night to old radio shows on her iPod. British television shows on BritBox also were favourites.

Her happy place was the Morgan cottage at Matlock where she finally seemed able to relax. Every summer she spent part of her vacation time at the cottage and she was able to get to Matlock several times last summer. When Kent’s parents were alive, Gillian often drove out for the weekend to cut the lawn and do minor repairs while Kent was involved with his softball activities. Her father had taught Gillian to use tools at a young age and her skill was greatly appreciated by Kent. She was pleased that members of her English family were able to come to Matlock for visits. Gillian often said that other than joining Smith Carter, the three most important things she did after moving to Winnipeg were getting her driver’s licence, buying a car, and realizing she didn’t have to spend her summer going to softball events with Kent.

Gillian had a special bond with her two nieces and was very proud of their accomplishments. Alexis is a police officer while Holly, the mother of two, operates her own fitness company that focuses on mothers. In remembering the aunt they called Gabby, the sisters said that, in addition to the practical know-how she inherited from her father, artistic talent was passed down from her mother. Her Christmas tree skirts filled their English homes with festive cheer. Her handmade blankets had provided warmth and love for children and adults. They said the unwavering love and the memories she created will continue to wrap around them just like the blankets she so lovingly made.

Cremation has taken place and no service is planned at the present time.

Special thanks to the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Victoria, Grace and Seven Oaks hospitals, and to Heather Smith.

Donations in Gillian’s memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

NEIL BARDAL

FUNERAL CENTRE

204-949-2200

neilbardalinc.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2025