GILKS, PHYLLIS - After a lengthy battle with cancer and dementia Phyllis Anna Gilks (nee Witherell) of Blissfield, N.B. died peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton on September 19, 2013. Phyllis was born on March 9, 1920 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, eldest daughter of the late Percy Edmond and Josephine (Penton) Witherell. At five years of age she moved to Blissfield with her parents, sister Bette, and brother Stanley, where she received her formal education in a one room rural school in Lower Blissfield. Phyllis is survived by sisters Florence Gibson (John) of Douglas, N.B., Marjorie Price of Chipman, N.B.; sister-in-law Jacqueline Witherell of Espanola, Ont., brother-in-law Ewald Von Bargen of Ontario; and her very special friends through the years, Karen LeBlanc of Cape Cod, U.S.A., Margaret and Woodrow Brogan from Chipman, and Carl and Carolyn Grant from Chipman. Besides her immediate family, she will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins in N.B., Nova Scotia, Ontario, and B.C. Although Phyllis did not have children of her own, many of her nieces and nephews, as well as children from her community considered her home to be their second home — always welcomed with great meals and often treated to picnics on the river or excursions to the camp. She will be fondly remembered by many friends of her 'Fishing Family' of the Miramichi River, especially Tom Matheson of P.E.I., Al Gallagher from Boston, and Dave Watts from Virginia. Phyllis was privileged to have several people assist in her health care at home for the last several years. Her sisters Marjorie and Florence, nephew Jeffrey Price, and niece Kathryn were determined to honour Phyllis and Ralph's wishes that Phyllis be cared for at home as long as feasible. Long time caregiver Faye Colford and her family Phil and Dustin helped to make this possible. The dedicated and loving care Faye gave to Phyllis will always be remembered and appreciated. The family is grateful to Faye and Dawn Colford for their special care during Phyllis' stay in the hospital. Phyllis was predeceased by the love of her life, husband Ralph, in 1996; her parents; brothers Stanley and Ronald; and sister Bette. Phyllis Gilks will be remembered in many ways. She was a devoted member of St. Andrews Anglican Church in Doaktown, always serving where there was something to be done. She was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Hillcrest Ch. # 10 and served 40 years with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion in Doaktown. In September of 1996, Phyllis and her husband Ralph were inducted into the Mixamichi Salmon Museum's Hall of Fame, honouring their lifetime contributions to the sport fishing industry. Phyllis made whoever showed up at her door feel welcome with her generously prepared meals and her love of challenging friends to a game of crib, 45's, or scrabble. She was an avid dart player, travelling to many tournaments and winning many trophies.
Davidson's Funeral Horne, Main Street, Doaktown is in charge of arrangements. A Service of Celebration under the direction of rector Dr. B. Spence will be held at Saint Andrews Anglican Church, Doaktown, on September 23, 2013. In accordance with Phyllis's request, visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the service begins at 2, at the church. Interment at Ford Hollow Cemetery in Blissfield. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Phyllis' name will be welcomed at the Doaktown Public Library if desired.

Life Must Go On
Grieve for me, for I would grieve for you.
Then brush away the sorrow and the tears
Life is not over, but begins anew,
With courage you must greet the coming years.
To live forever in the past is wrong;
It can only cause you misery and pain.
Dwell not on memories overlong,
With others you must share and care again.
Reach out and comfort those who comfort you;
Recall the years, but only for a while.
Nurse not your loneliness; but live again.
Forget not. Remember with a smile.
...a Navaho Prayer