It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gil Collicott, age 78, of Amherst on Friday, February 13, 2015, at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.
Born November 15, 1936 in St. Stephens, NB, he was the eldest son of the late Manus and Edna (Lutwick) Collicott.
Gil was a native Maritimer, and lived much of his life near the Bay of Fundy; he transplanted to Amherst in 1967. Most of his working life was in the visual arts. An award-wining professional photographer, He was a lifetime member of the Maritime Professional Photographers Association, Professional Photographers of Canada.
Was active in the local community and volunteered his time in many ways.
Gil was a member of the Amherst Rotary Club, in particular devoting much time and love to their support of Camp Tidnish, and was a recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award.
Having taken early medical retirement, he pursued his other passions, drawing and watercolor painting. Gil led workshops and painting groups for experience and education. Famous for his frog paintings, his works have been on exhibit in many venues and group showings, such as the Cumberland County Museum and Owens Art Gallery. A founding member of the, he was well known in the community for generously donating his paintings to local auctions, and much of his work is scattered around Cumberland County.
He was a faithful, active member of Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst, where also sang in the choir for many years. Since 1985, he was also a volunteer at Berwick United Church Camp where he made was a well-known fixture and many long lasting friendships.
Music was an important part of Gil’s life, being a member of singing, music and theatre groups through the years, as well as bringing his harmonicas to campfires across the Maritimes. Most recently he greatly enjoyed his time singing with “the Fellas”.
Gil will be lovingly remembered by his sons: Trevor, Amherst; Brad (Diane), Toronto; and John (Nicole) Oxford; beloved grandchildren: Maggie, Ian, Mitchell and Michael; brothers, Herb (Betty), Moose Jaw, SK and Leslie (Marion), Deep River, ON; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Gil was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (Boucher); sisters Alta (Rodgerson) and Elda (Johnson); as well as brothers, Manus Jr. and Winston.
As per Gil’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Campbell's Funeral Home, Amherst (667-9906).
Funeral service to celebrate Gil’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst with Rev. Nigel Weaver officiating.
Reception will follow in the Burgess hall.
Interment will take place at a later date in the Amherst Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gil’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded via: www.campbellsamherst.ca or by visiting our Facebook page.