Obituary of Rae Flemming Gilks

Raymond, loving and tender husband and father, loyal and unfailing friend and counsellor, a man of action, a willing volunteer and champion of freedom and truth, died quietly at his home in Saint John, NB surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 96 years of age. He was born in Blissfield, NB to the late Albert William and Theresa Maria (Astle) Gilks. From early experiences, Ray felt compelled to act in behalf of what he felt was right. This was even more evident when he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 17, 1948. From this time, his goal was to enter the full-time ministry with his wife and he planned his life around achieving that goal. In 1949, he moved to Saint John and worked at Irving Pulp and Paper as a millwright, then as a stationary engineer. He and his wife arranged their affairs in such a way as to join their daughters in the regular pioneer ranks on September 1, 1967. His self-sacrificing spirit moved him to give his all to Jehovah and to serve in no matter what capacity was needed: fighting court battles, medical emergencies, performing marriages, comforting those in distress, convention organization, theocratic training and raising a family that valued and lived by those same qualities. He was especially keen on encouraging and mentoring the young, having lost his own father at an early age. He had an impact on so many lives and the effect of that influence continues on – so far beyond what he ever realized. Many are the ones who will be waiting for him and his dearest Greta, to awaken in the resurrection. His loss is mourned by his three daughters, Doris (Sam) Phillips of Saint John NB, Gloria (Cyril) DuBois of Chatham ON and Marita (Richard) Northrop of Saint John NB; three grandchildren, Rachelle (Dennis) Swicheniuk of Saint John, NB, Andrew (Heather) DuBois of Duncan BC and Melanie DuBois of Chatham ON; one great granddaughter, Melissa DuBois of Duncan BC; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Gilks and Joyce Wright; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Greta Oleavia (Wright) and his ten siblings, Earle, Ruby, Edna, Zach, Ralph, Holly, Lottie, Bert, Zaida and Don. A Memorial Service, officiated by Claude Gilks, will be held on Saturday, August 26 at 2:00 PM from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 67 Magazine Street, Saint John NB with a reception to follow. Interment to take place on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Fredericton Rural Cemetery Extension, 595 Woodstock Road, Fredericton NB. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Remembrances in memory of Raymond may be made to www.jw.org. Online condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com.