May 22, 1941 – January 30, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Virginia Ann Gillham.
She was the beloved wife of Robert Gillham. Loving mother of David (Chiharu Iinuma) Gillham. Grandmother of Junichiro, Maaya and Sayaka Gillham, the lights of her life. Survived by her sister Cindy Caskie. Predeceased by her parents James and Helsie Caskie.
Virginia received her bachelor's degree in history from McMaster University and a master's degree in library science from the University of Illinois at Champagne Urbana.
Virginia enjoyed a long and successful career as a university librarian. From 1992 - 2002 Virginia held the position of Head Librarian at Wilfrid Laurier University.
In her more than 30 years as a volunteer and community leader, Virginia Gillham devoted much of her time and energy to a wide range of local organizations.
As a founding member and Chair of the Friends of the Guelph Public Library, Virginia was a tireless advocate and fundraiser for the library, including leading the popular annual book sale that has raised more than $1,000,000 since 2008.
Virginia and her husband Robert were instrumental in the founding of the Planning Committee for the Guelph Youth Music Centre, and both served for over 14 years.
Without Virginia and Robert's commitment, it is likely there would not be a Youth Music Centre in Guelph today.
A highly respected Skate Canada National judge and referee, figure skating was one of Virginia’s lifelong loves. As a figure skater, she passed her Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA) tests and enjoyed competing. She gradually transitioned to become an accomplished national-level figure skating judge, travelling the country judging Skate Canada tests and competitions. Her dedication to the sport touched the lives of hundreds of young athletes, including those beginning in the sport to those who were competing at the national and international levels.
In addition to all things skating, Virginia was an avid downhill skier and had a particular fondness for the Colorado Rockies.
Over the years, Virginia served on a long list of local boards and committees, including the Edward Johnson Music Foundation/ Guelph Spring Festival board; the University of Guelph's United Way steering committee; the services committee of Wellington County Family and Children's Services; and the Wellington-Dufferin Homes for Psychiatric Rehabilitation board.
She served on the nominating committee of the Guelph Chapter of the Federation of University Women and was also the Board Chair and church librarian at St. Andrew's Church in Guelph.
For memorial donations: The Guelph Youth Music Centre has launched the Virginia Gillham Memorial Bursary. May her passion for music, education and excellence live on through the lives of the next generations of youth passing through the doors of the Guelph Youth Music Centre.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 161 Norfolk St, Guelph on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm. Service will be live streamed, check funeral home website. Reception to follow in the church hall. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Virginia A. Gillham in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.