Obituary of David Allan Gillespie

It is with immense sadness that the family of David Gillespie announces his peaceful passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital. David made the choice to end his suffering from terminal liver disease surrounded by a packed room of some of his most beloved people on February 29, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born May 18, 1958, in Saint John, New Brunswick, to the late John (Jack) and Beulah (Kohlier) Gillespie.

Dave will be profoundly missed by his wife Brenda; sons Bobby Wilson, Murray Wilson (Krista), and Rodney Wilson (Jennie); daughters Diane Belding, and Nancy Folkins (John); brother Paul Gillespie (Paula); grandchildren Tara (Yulia), Tamryn (Jon), Andrew, Kandice (Brent), Emily (Ethan), Nathan, Toni (Ryan), Spencer, Matthew (Addy), Chad (Kathryn), Riley (Jersey), Taylor (Justin), Mackenzie (Shelby), Kayden, Blake, Paige, Sarah, and Connor; great-grandchildren John, Owen, Ayla, Braxton, Cohen, Cayson, Waylon, Xavier, and Everly; his dear friend Paul Baker; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and colleagues. He will be lovingly reunited with his parents; daughter-in-law Kate (Floyd) Wilson; infant sister Donna, adult sister Donna; brothers Jack, and Fred; as well as his nephew Donnie.

David dedicated the majority of his working life caring for others, beginning as a psychiatric attendant at the Provincial Hospital, then on to achieve his diploma as a registered nurse into a career spanning over 30 years. He always spoke highly of his work family that he had made between the Provincial, Regional, and St. Josephs hospitals, and was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love he was shown by all of them when news had spread that he was sick. 

Not only did his career guide him to his true calling, but it led him to meeting his one true love, Brenda, who was his absolute world. From then on, the two of them became inseparable. Whether it was travelling the world with "his girl", or hauling car loads of grandkids across the Atlantic Provinces to camp or enjoy bluegrass festivals - you always knew you were in for an adventure that was "off the beaten path". 

The life that they created was nothing short of beautiful; five children, eighteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and countless memories throughout their years together. Anybody who knew Dave knew that his love for traveling, cheering on the Chicago Bears (Loudly!) camping at Rockwood Park with Brenda and in various spots throughout Shediac and P.E.I with the grandkids, and above all else, spending time with family, was second to none. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The family would like to send their deepest gratitude to the nurses, doctors and support staff of 4CN at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). Visitation will be held at Brenan's on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A funeral liturgy will take place in Brenan's Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 11:00 AM.