PUNNICHY (Qu’A) — Rev. Dale Gillman (pictured) died peacefully, but unexpectedly, at home in Punnichy on Aug. 24. She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons, Harley and Jamie; daughters Diane and Jaimie-Lea; and three grandchildren.
She was born in 1947 on Gordon’s First Nation. Gillman studied theology at the Canadian Bible College and received a bachelor of theology degree. She was ordained deacon in 1999 and priested the next year.
In a letter to clergy, Bishop Helen Kennedy wrote, “… she worked tirelessly in reconciliation work for this diocese, primarily in the area of Residential School students and their descendants.”
After ordination Gillman was appointed honorary assistant at Gordon’s First Nation. She served the Parish of Nehiyawe; St. Martin’s Parish; Last Mountain Parish; and was assistant to the diocesan co-ordinator for Native Ministries from 2001-03.
She worked briefly as director and pastor for Lutheran Circle of Life in Regina. In 2019, she was appointed diocesan elder.
In addition to serving as a priest, Gillman worked in a variety of positions that focused on health and recovery. She was director of the Recovery and Wellness Centre on Gordon’s from 2001 to 2008; director of Health on Gordon’s in 2012 and 2013; and from 2008 to the time of her death worked with Nehiyawe Pastoral Counselling for the Touchwood area of Gordon’s and Daystar First Nations.
Prayers were held on Aug. 29 at the George Gordon Education Centre Gym, where the funeral was held the following day. Bishop Adam Halkett (Bishop of Missinippi, Diocese of Saskatchewan) presided.
Rev. Dale Gillman will be greatly missed by the diocese and beyond.
