Obituary of Gillian Kathleen Spoljaric

It is with heartfelt sadness we say goodbye to our Gillian who passed away at the age of 71 years on June 22, 2018 in Abbotsford, B.C. The eldest daughter of W.P. (Peter) and Annetta Barclay, Gill was born on March 28, 1947 in Vancouver, B.C. One year later, the family moved to Kelowna where they settled by the lake at Cedar Creek and enjoyed a life in the country. In 1970 Gill married Nick Spoljaric and gave birth to her beloved daughter, Kathy. In her later years, Gill moved from Kelowna to the lower mainland. She lived with her daughter and family where she received their tireless care and support. Her grandsons were her steadfast champions. Gill was an avid and accomplished horsewoman who spent much of her young life riding her spirited horse Blaze through the surrounding hills and entering equestrian events at the Kelowna Riding Club. Gill’s intense love for animals led her into work at the Lakeshore Animal Clinic and a thriving dog grooming business. A highlight in Gill’s life was her trip to Uganda where she worked with a missionary group to build a school. Later in life, Gill loved to play games such as backgammon where, with a mischievous grin, would mercilessly beat her opponents! Gill is survived by her daughter Kathy Lang (Rob), her grandsons Teaque and Rayne, her sisters Susan Glendinning (Tom) and Leslie Weisbeck (Richard), her nieces Erin Bibby (Tim, Colin, Adam) and Jenna Chapman (Trynitie), her nephews Dax Chapman (Jodie), Michael Chapman (Janice), Patrick Glendinning (Fiona) and extended family. Throughout her lifetime Gill battled several serious health issues but she inspired us all with her persistent optimism and the ability to see the good in everyone. Her absolute faith in God sustained Gill throughout her lifetime. On July 7, 2018 at 1 pm, all friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life to be held at the Garden Hill Funeral Home, 11765-224th Street, Maple Ridge, B.C.