Obituary of Gillian Fiona Ewing

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Gillian Fiona Ewing on Sunday, August 21, 2005 in Calgary. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on December 16th, 1956, Gillian immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of seven. She spent her childhood in Regina, SK, with a year in Summerside, P.E.I. After completing High School at Marion High in Regina she ventured to France to pursue post-secondary studies. After three years in Strasbourg she earned a ‘Lysee De Lettres’ in Linguistics. Gillian then returned to Canada and obtained a B.A. Hons at Ottawa University. With what appeared limited qualifications Gillian started a career in Personal Investing and Wealth Management. This proved to be a turning point in her life. Her enthusiasm for this dynamic profession encouraged her to pursue numerous courses and designations. Between the birth of her two daughters, Gillian obtained the C.F.A. Charter. She viewed this as her greatest achievement. Gillian worked and learned from many people and large organizations in the Investment Industry – Richardson Greenshields, The Great West Life Assurance Company, The Province of Manitoba, Scotia Cassels Investment Council and BMO Harris Private Banking. Gillian was a perfectionist who sought new challenges. She took positions of increasing responsibility culminating in Vice President and Director, Investment Management, BMO Harris, Calgary. Her colourful, out going personality and sense of humour enabled her to enjoy the many wonderful clients and colleagues she met in her day to day work. Gillian was also a dedicated volunteer. She found time to serve as Co-Chair of the Canadian Advocacy Council (CFA Institute), and as Editorial Board member of the CFA Digest. Gillian was also part of a select committee that set the grades for the Chartered Financial Analyst Exams (University of Virginia), she also graded exams at UVa. Gillian was on the Board of the Calgary CFA Society from 1999 to 2002 and held the positions of Advocacy, Programs and Membership. Gillian was on the Trust Investment Committee (University of Manitoba). In 1994 Gillian co-founded the prestigious G. Clarence Elliott Graduate Fellowship and Trust Fund at the University of Manitoba. Since that time she worked enthusiastically and passionately as a member of the Fellowship Student Selection Committee to annually award scholarships to Masters level students. Additionally Gillian served as a member of the Calgary Board of Education’s Trustee Remuneration Committee and was Key Communicator (Parent Council Lake Bonavista Elementary School). For a short time she was on the Board of Directors of Manitoba Provincial Employees Day Care. Gillian is survived by her husband, Mark Bennett and two daughters, Alexis aged 13 and Eliza aged 9 of Calgary; her parents, Violet and Gerald Ewing of Nanoose Bay, B.C.; her sister Helen Ewing of Calgary; her brother Christopher Ewing of Duncan B.C.; and numerous caring relatives and friends. Her family was always a huge support teaching her the value of honesty, hard work and integrity throughout her formative years, encouraging her to strive to excel in all that she did. They and her friends from all walks of life, gave her incredible love and support during her final illness. Gillian would like to thank Dr Peter Craighead, Dr Gwyn Bebb and Dr Lindy Murphy for their care and support. She would also like to recognize Norma Allan and the many members of the Calgary Home Care/ Palliative Care Team for the efficient and professional manner in which they gave her help and comfort. A Celebration of Gillian’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, (102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5) in support of those less fortunate due to no fault of their own. Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca. “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us”- Helen Keller. In living memory of Gillian Ewing, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.