Victor Donald Gillen passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, peacefully, after a long, fulfilling life on May 18th, 2025.

Victor was born in Scott, Saskatchewan, August 20th, 1927. He had a happy childhood raised in Handel. The second youngest of 11 children to Pauline (Bader) and Wendel Gillen, he was the last surviving one. He spoke of playing ball and hockey with his many brothers and working in the family general store, sweeping the floor, filling the shelves and unloading products from the train cars. Fruit pies and strudels made by his mom and sisters were fond memories.

Victor met Margaret Basaraba in high school. When she left Handel to pursue a career in nursing in Saskatoon, he moved there as well. He worked for Scott National Fruit Company in the packing plant and he delivered their paper products. Victor and Margaret married on August 1, 1953 and moved to Prince Albert with the company. In 1954, Victor worked for the Fry Cadbury Company, where he travelled the province delivering Cadbury products. He became known as the “chocolate uncle” to his young nieces and nephews.

In the late 50’s Victor joined his brother, Louis, in ownership of a John Deere dealership in North Battleford. He was very proud to sell the “long green line” of equipment and he made many friends in the farming community. They were fortunate enough to remain in their family home until the ages of 96 and 97.

A small cabin was built on Murray Lake in the early 60’s, and summers are still  enjoyed there with family and friends. He was fond of golf, boating, and water skiing – fishing both summer and winter became a passion. Victor was a member of the Kinsmen and K-40’s and in his earlier years, he curled. He remained a faithful Oilers fan and shared a season’s ticket when the franchise first started. In his retirement he became a true, blue Blue Jays fan. He always looked forward to early spring when he could watch the games from Florida. He was able to attend a few games in Toronto but he liked the games on television better as they showed the replays!

Margaret and Victor enjoyed many Februarys in Victoria. They reconnected with friends from the past and developed many new friendships within the community there. Salmon fishing and the milder temperatures near the ocean were part of the draw.

He was loved dearly by his grandchildren and they gave him much joy. He was so proud of each one of them. He was amazed by his busy great-grandchildren and “G’pa” marvelled at their boundless energy. On his 96th birthday some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren took him fishing on Murray Lake. They did not catch a fish, but they all had a great time. August 1, 2024, Margaret and Victor reached the milestone of a 71st wedding anniversary.

His sweet tooth, especially for donuts and lemon meringue pie, was ever present. He will forever be remembered for his humor and quick wit. He had a one liner for every occasion. His memory remained clear for the early years and for people he had met along his lifelong journey.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margaret, daughter, Janet (Rob), son, Bob (Toby), grandchildren Janel(Josh), Shauna(Nick), Jeff (Brooke), Jenna (Trevor) and great grandchildren, Kyrie, Jaxon, Jaden, and Emilia, sister-in-law, Lavonne, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, North Battleford, Sask. (PO Box 1358, North Battleford, SK. S9A 3L8)

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Larissa Wack Apprentice Funeral Director.

• Date : 2025-05-22
• Location : North Battleford, SK