Phyllis passed away on July 01, 2006 at Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Dec. 24, 1916 at Bella Coola, B.C. She was pre-deceased by her husband Dick in 1991. Phyl and Dick had 50 wonderful years together and they were true soul mates. She was also pre-deceased by her parents Annie and Percy Gadsden, her brother Roy and sister Gladys Kelly. Survived by her daughter Penny (Ken) Buck of Abbotsford, grandchildren Tracey and Carrie and great grandchildren Dawson, Taryn, Andrew and Lauren. Also survived by brothers Glen (Freda) of White Rock, Burg (Jean) of Parksville and Doug (Marion) of Kamloops, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Phyl was born, raised and educated in Bella Coola. Upon marriage to Dick, she became part of Gildersleve Logging Co. Life in the wilderness was centered on float camps in areas such as Hole-In-The-Wall, Rivers Inlet, South Bentick, Fish Egg, and Kimsquit to name a few. Dick later worked in the mill at Ocean Falls so the family lived in Martin Valley from 1955 to 1968. During that time Phyl managed Gildie's Marine Supply. From 1968 to 1980 Phil and Dick lived in Gibsons during which time they spent several summers commercial fishing, with their troller the KIA ORA. They also worked for B.C. Packers at St. John’s Harbor and Bella Bella. Full retirement came with moving to Langley in 1980.
Phyl Gildersleve – the last Grand Matriarch of the Gadsden clan leaves many grieving relatives and friends. There are too many to attempt to name them all.
Forever grateful, thanks to Carolyn Harris who will always have a special place in our family and our hearts. Thanks also to the staff at Bevan Lodge, the Emergency staff at MSA Hospital and Dr. Shale Blane.
A service of remembrance will be held at Henderson’s Funeral Chapel, 34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, on Monday July 10, 2006 at 2 p.m. Reception will be held at the Cartier Heights Club House: 32777 Chilcotin Drive, Abbotsford, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Phyl to the Cancer Society, as Phyl was a cancer survivor.
Henderson’s Funeral Home
604-854-5534
www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com