Myles John Gillespie

Myles John Gillespie was born in Earl Grey, Saskatchewan on June 18, 1954 to Clarence and Adella Gillespie and older brother, Garth.  This was the start of a wonderful life.  In that small town, play was interspersed with a little naughtiness and conducted in the surrounding bush and small town streets. These were almost the olden days with a town well; a phone operator who knew whose kid was calling mom or dad and a wealth of livestock to watch being unloaded from the train. The school had a barn for horses and his elementary school days started Myles on a road that would ultimately lead to Esterhazy.

In grade nine, the family moved to Balcarres to operate a Robinson’s Dry Goods Store.  Myles completed his grade twelve there with his cousins.  His uncle Bill ran the theatre along with his barber shop.  Here Myles learned the fine art of film projection. He helped with his family’s business and enjoyed life as a teenager.  He ventured off to school, the University of Regina where he followed his big brother into the natural sciences, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  He deviated from biology into romance while working north of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. There on the shore of a small lake he met Mary-Lynne who was working as a geology student in that remote northern bush camp. They were married in September of 1979 and spent their first year in Regina while Myles pursued his second degree, in Education. 

They moved to Esterhazy after Myles was hired to work as a science and math teacher at EHS in the junior end.  Grades 7, 8 and 9 can be a challenge, but his creative approach to teaching science, liberally spiced by true enthusiasm for his subject and love for his students led to a successful 31 year career.  He was an exceptional teacher, not only of his subjects but of life skills; discipline, integrity, forthrightness, a good work ethic and respect. He shared his enthusiasm for new experiences and the extraordinary natural world we are privileged to explore.

His ability to teach also impacted his life as a father. His three children, Peter, Matthew and Lauren all developed a love of learning, not only academics but wood work, much renovation skill, imposed by the multiple projects on our house in Yarbo and then in Esterhazy. He taught them about animals, hunting, camping, the glories of the night skies and cooking. Under his tutelage they learned to become responsible people, compassionate and cooperative adults.  Most people who interacted with him were treated to his humour and sharp wit even while suffering in the hospital.  He dealt with his disease gracefully and earned our respect and that of his caregivers. Our family has been infused with love, the kind that supports each other in times of trial. Myles passed from this life in our arms on April 25, 2018, surrounded by love and buoyed by the love of those around him. We are thankful for his life.