Percy Harold Gilmer
Percy Harold Gilmer, a lifelong resident of the former Matilda Township, passed away peacefully at the Woodland Villa in Long Sault Feb. 2. He was 91.
Mourning his loss is his loving wife of 57 years, Helen (Fisher) of Brinston, his son Larry, his wife Debbie and grandchildren, Timothy, Mathew, Shawn, and Ashley, of South Mountain.
He is also survived by his brother Dwight (Marion), sister-in-law Luella Gilmer, brother-in-law Delmar Adams and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother Harry; and sisters Della Hunter (Ken), Annie Adams, and Irene Conley (Howard).
He spent his early years working as a butcher, first in his brother Harry's butcher shop and grocery store in Iroquois and then in his own business in Prescott. However, he spent most of his working years as a drover, buying and selling cattle and pigs in and around Matilda Township. He knew and made friends with everyone as he travelled the country roads. He was well respected by farmers and all who knew him.
He rested at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Feb. 3 in the afternoon & evening with the IOOF members conducting a memorial service. The funeral service was held in Brinston United Church on Feb. 4 with Rev. Doug Carnegie officiating, with Dwight giving a eulogy, and Carol and Orville Smyth singing Beyond the Sunset.
The pallbearers were his three grandsons and three nephews Bert Hunter, Jim Adams and Richard Gilmer. Honorary pallbearers were Gordon Cooper and Floyd Thompson. Interment will be at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston in the spring.