It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Earle DeMille Gilchrist of Fredericton, NB, on Saturday, March 20th, 2010 at The Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born in MacDonalds Corner (Cambridge), NB, the son of the late Robert and Florence (DeMille) Gilchrist. He is survived by his wife Mary Elspeth (Meldrum) Gilchrist, daughter Linda (Pat) O\'Brien of Fredericton and son Peter of Toronto. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Stephanie (Terry) Moxness of Fredericton, Nicholas Oley of Fredericton, Elizabeth Scott of Portland, OR, one great-granddaughter, Ana Moxness of Fredericton, sister-in-law Helen Gilchrist and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Earle was predeceased by daughter Heather (Tobey) Scott, two brothers, William and David and three sisters, Marion, Margaret and Roberta. Earle served as a navigator in the RCAF during World Warr II, spending two years overseas. He attended Acadia and McGill Universities, graduating with his BSc in Agricultural Engineering. He worked for 35 years with the NB Department of Agriculture, retiring as Director of the Engineering Branch and Chairman of the Agricultural Development Board and the Farm Adjustment Board. He was made a Fellow of the Canadian Agricultural Engineering Society of Agricultural Engineers and of the NB Institute of Agrologists. Earle was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 for many years, having served as President and on several committees. He was given a Certificate of Merit and a Life Membership. His quiet manner, intelligence and thoughtfulness earned him a great deal of respect.
Earle was also active in the community, especially at Christ Church (Parish) Church where he served as Warden and was on the Vestry. He was President of Farraline Place, The Fredericton Curling Club and of the Golden Club where he was one of the founding members and was made a Life Member. Earle was an avid curler and represented New Brunswick at the Canadian Senior Men\'s Championship in Manitoba. Earle was a wonderful man who never had an unkind word to say and he was a good friend to all who knew him. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, loved and respected by all. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife and family.
There will be no visitation at the request of the family. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, March 29th, 2010 at 1:00 PM with The Very Rev. Keith Joyce officiating, assisted by The Ven. John Sharpe and The Right Rev. George Lemmon. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 will hold a tribute service during the memorial service. A reception will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Forest Hill Cemetery or to the charity of the donor\'s choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam\'s Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton, NB. (458-9170) www.mcadamsfh.com