Obituary of David Wayne Gillrie

David Wayne “Bud” Gillrie, of Fredericton, NB, was called from his labours and laid down his working tools on June 16, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born in Vancouver, BC in 1929, Bud, as he was known to so many, devoted his life to the service of his country, his family, and his community. After enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1947, Bud was eventually posted to Aldershot, Nova Scotia where he met his soul mate, Kathleen Mae Gillrie (Whitman) in 1955, marrying her that same year.

During his time in the military, Bud had many adventures which saw him and his family move around both the country, and the world, being stationed in Germany from 1959 to 1961. Always proud of his Scottish heritage, he took great pride in regaling family and friends of his memories of service with the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment. Bud remained in the Canadian Armed Forces until he was honourably released from service in 1972 with the rank of Master Warrant Officer. Following his retirement from the military, Bud worked in several civilian roles in both the private and public sectors, before retiring for good in 1994.

If Kathleen was his great love, and the military his great calling, his great passion in life was Freemasonry. Bud enjoyed an incredible 67 years in the fraternity, having been made a Master Mason in 1957 at Kentville Lodge No. 58, in Kentville, Nova Scotia. After permanently moving with his family to Fredericton, he became a proud member of Hiram Lodge No. 6 for which he served terms as both Worshipful Master and its long-time Secretary. Bud was also a member of Templum Phoenix Lodge No. 57 and an honourary member of Alexandria Lodge No. 33. This passion for Freemasonry extended to the provincial level, where he served the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick as both a District Deputy Grand Master and as Grand Historian. He also had a hand in founding the New Brunswick Masonic Charities and Housing Company. Known around New Brunswick and beyond as a mentor and wealth of Masonic knowledge, he was most proud that he was able to spend time in Lodge with his son and grandsons, who followed in his footsteps as Masons. This passion was shared with his wife and daughter when they became members of the Masonic concordant body, the Order of the Eastern Star.

In whatever free time he could find outside of serving others, Bud enjoyed woodworking, painting, fly fishing (he detested spin reels) and the occasional glass of scotch (single malt, not blended, he’d say).

Bud leaves behind his children Catherine (Michael), Kevin (Owena) and Steven (Susan), grandchildren David, Christine, Daniel, James, Francesca, Derek and Adam, sister Jean (and family) and brother Robert (and family). He was predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen.

A Masonic memorial service and visitation will take place at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 7:00 - 9:00pm. The celebration of Bud’s life will occur the following day, June 20, 2024 at 1:00pm, in the J.A McAdam Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Karl Csaszar as officiant. For those unable to attend the service, a livestream will be available at the following link https://vimeo.com/event/4393537

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to New Brunswick Masonic Charities and Housing, or to Camp Goodtime, the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick’s summer camp for children affected by cancer.