Blossum Gilmour

Blossum and I met while she was living in Vancouver and bonded over our shared love of music, dancing, yoga, reading, swimming and running, among other things. She was always up for an adventure, smiling and joking and keeping me from being too serious. I’m pretty sure that I’m the one who convinced Blossum to try rollerblading, which unfortunately resulted in her breaking her tailbone. I still feel bad about that. Blossum taught me a lot about how to be a good person, a loyal friend and opened my mind to different ways of thinking about things. I always enjoyed our time together, no matter what we were doing. We shared so many meals, books, glasses of wine and good times. When Blossum left Vancouver we stayed in touch by email, video calls and social media. I was lucky to have both Blossum and David stay with my family and I many times as they returned to British Columbia to visit family and friends. I’ll always treasure the memories.

Suzanne McBeath

Blossum had a big heart and a bigger smile and she didn’t shy away from sharing either of them.
She enjoyed good coffee and good chocolate, and There was often a request for “something sweet” post dinner 😆.
Blossum had a quietly bold personality, especially when she was on a mission. It was always a joy to see her excited when she would talk about her passions.
A beautiful woman, a beautiful life. One I fondly remember everyday when I drink from the “Little Miss Fun” coffee mug she purchased in Melbourne (that I subsequently stole for my collection!).
Love always, Ann.

Ann Williams

Hey Blossum
Remember the morning of your wedding where we woke up together and you wanted to go for a run?!
You were obviously way fitter than me because when we got about half way round Emerald Lake I had to stop and walk…I blame the altitude! You however swiftly said “I’ll run ahead a little then come back”.
That was a great plan. I caught my breath and ran again when you came back for me. I was stuffed by the end!
Thank you for choosing me to be your running buddy for the day whilst your future husband was somewhere close by.
Miss you always.
Xox Caz

Carolyn Hockley

I will always remember Blossum from our PBI training and time in Jakarta. She was a brave person who was always herself. I remember going with her to an NGO in Yogyakarta that worked with HIV positive people. We had very little Indonesian at the time but despite that Blossum was a force. She was able to convey new knowledge and make people feel safe and understood with, maybe, a vocab of about fifty words at that point. I really admired that and it taught me a lot about what teaching should actually look like. I will not forget her. 

Rebecca Prestwood

Blossum was such a special human – a tower of strength and beauty – the kind of woman we all want to be like! I can only picture her beaming and/or laughing. I have really happy memories of running “the hash” with her in Khartoum, of brilliant dinner time conversation, of laughing over drinks…She knew how to live with passion and a lust for life. What an adventurer! And such determination to speak for those with no voice and fight injustice. It really was a privilege to know her. Sending love and strength to you and her family. Xxx

Jenny Cox

I have vivid memories from our time in Sudan, Blossum giving her time to guide us all through yoga and fun games of squash in those outdoor courts. She was such a light to be around and a delight to spend time with you as a couple. Much love, thoughts and hugs to you at this time of deep and unexpected sorrow.

Tracey Deal

When we met you guys in Sudan it was obvious how special you both are. Blossum’s constant good humour in any circumstances struck me. No matter the situation she’d find the good in it, nonetheless indignant about any injustice she encountered song the way. She was a tower of feminist strength. The joy and love she constantly shared was infectious. People wanted to be with her. She was adventure and joy personified. 

Ben Garbutt

My best memory of Blossom is around the yoga classes she instructed in Goroka at that big house in Pacific! I recall being pleasantly surprised that she was a yoga instructor, the first class I went along with Angela and I was totally shocked at how flexible Angela was that I cracked up laughing and both Ange and I went into hysterics. Anyway, I loved those afternoons and have always longed for them after they ended. Stay strong ! Hold her memories close xx

Sally Watson

 

Diving & sharing the wonders of the oceans in Mauritius, playing cards in Singapore as I waded the depths of a cancer journey, and other shared occasions brought love and happiness to me; your wedding in Canada was so sooo beautiful- with Lake Emerald reflecting the beauty of your love and shared joy 

Clare Williams

Blossum was my world. For 22 years she led me on amazing, simply unbelievable adventures and helped me build a fulfilling life of helping others. We made so many incredible, awe-filled memories that I will be forever grateful. I will always miss her, and I will never forget her. Our most recent trip to the Galapogas Islands was a true highlight for both of us. It was Blossum’s dream since she first watched a David Attenborough documentary. Her joy at seeing the Blue Footed Boobies was so infectious. Her excitement when diving with whales sharks, marine iguanas, hammerheads and dolphin pods was shared by both me and Laura! What an experience. Blossum said it would not be a once-in-a-lifetime trip because she wanted to go back. Maybe I will have to do it for her again sometime. So much of the world to see still.

David

The first time we met Blossum was at a work event at the Crowne Plaza in Vientiane, Laos. She was wearing a dress covered in giant flowers and introduced herself as “Blossum.” We remember feeling an enormous sense of relief — finally, a name we had a fighting chance of remembering the first time.

We really got to know Blossum during COVID, when the BISLA group formed and we began our very important “research tours” of fancy hotels in Luang Prabang. There were lovely bike rides around town with the BISLA in tow, lively wine nights (we were particularly fond of Two-Glasses-of-Wine Blossum), and all sorts of silly shenanigans. She was also the voice of reason, the one steering us toward healthy choices and earlier bedtimes, and fun (or not so fun) runs at reasonable and (mostly) unreasonable hours!

We loved her homemade dinners, especially her mean quiche and salads.

She had the best smile.

For nearly a decade, we shared the milestones of life together — birthdays, holidays, weekend pool sessions, and all the small, ordinary moments that quietly become the big ones. Blossum was a fierce advocate for gender equality and, without question, a kick-ass woman herself.

Thank you, Blossum, for letting us be part of your life for so many wonderful years. We are so lucky we got to know you.

Brooke & Eli

Blossom was such a wonderful combination of kindness, strength, and good humour. Plus open minded, curious and with a great sense of humour. All problems met and conquered with a smile or a laugh, backed up by a fierce sense of justice.

Jenny Asman

Blossum was such a wonderful, caring, fun adventurous person. I am such a better person having met you both. Thank you both for being so welcoming when we met in Indonesia, and your great senses of humor. She was such a great athlete and always had a smile on her face. My deepest condolences.

Karen Zientek Richardson

When I first met you over 40 years ago, you were just at the border from child to Teenager. I came to Canada to be a nanny for you and your siblings; I was only a few years older than you myself. You were so strong, open minded, interested, and smart and bright already back then; learning came easily to you. Over the years, Sherry and Danielle always kept me updated on your amazing life journey. You’ve done so many wonderful things, so much good. You will be remembered in so many ways. I would have loved so much to see you again one day! Love, Manuela

I knew Blossum as a child and as a teenager. She created an extraordinary life, and I am certain you played a great part in her happiness and accomplishments. For that, I will always be grateful.

Blossum was quieter, tending to hide her feelings and lose herself in books. You always knew when Bloss was home, because there would be a trail of clothes and belongings from the front door to her room. She shared a room with Danielle, though not without protest. At one point Danielle drew a line down the center of the room and declared her side off-limits. Blossum was as messy as Danielle was neat and tidy.

Bloss was intelligent and studious. She adored our Siamese cats so much that she once wanted to become a veterinarian. I remember her graduation day so clearly; we were all so proud of her. I bought her a watch to celebrate, and she insisted on a man’s model, because she was going through a phase of not wanting to appear too feminine.

Blossum explored several paths before finding her true purpose. She considered becoming a doctor, a veterinarian, and a nurse. No matter the path, she always wanted to help people. I believe your relationship allowed her to truly blossom and become the remarkable woman she was meant to be.

The last time I saw Bloss was in Calgary, where we celebrated Christmas with the Gilmours. Every year we gathered at Vi’s home, where she made baked beans and a wonderful turkey while uncles and cousins filled the house with laughter and teasing. But that Christmas, Blossum sat watching the tsunami on television as it swept away her friends, her work, and the people she loved and cared for.     And she cried.

These are the memories I can share. She lived in my heart for a very long time, and her memory will remain with me forever.

I am thankful that she found her soulmate. I know she enriched your life, just as she enriched ours.

With gratitude,

Sherry