Dr Andrew Erroll Gillespie

1925–2010
After almost 86 fully lived, wonderful years, Andrew passed away peacefully in Victoria on 9 November 2010, with the loving support of his family and friends, near and far. 

Andrew, a remarkably talented man with an adventurous spirit, was born in Victoria, BC, in 1925, son of Erroll and Catharine Gillespie (née Oliver). Andrew attended St. Mich­ael’s School and Brentwood College, with post-secondary education at UBC and McGill University (receiving a BSc in 1947 and his MD in 1948). He did further studies in the Department of Pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. 

He was an outstanding athlete, achieving gold-medal performances at many track meets, including the Canadian Open Track and Field Championships.  

He returned to his hometown of Victoria to practise pediatric medicine and consulting. He began his own practice in 1952. He was chief of the Department of Pediatrics at St. Jo­seph’s Hospital for 15 years. His legacy included leadership in fighting a major polio epidemic and introducing prenatal screening for inborn errors of metabolism to 95% of all newborn infants at St. Joseph’s Hospital. 

Voluntary activities included serving as the BC representative to the American Board of Pediatrics for 5 years (1975–1980), teaching interns and residents, and participating in bringing many advances in pediatrics to Greater Victoria. Andrew was honored with life membership in the American College of Pediatrics.

His leisure time was often spent on international travel with his beloved Betty, visiting many parts of all continents except for Antarctica. When he retired from active pediatric consulting in 1982, his focus shifted to building two of his residences and developing his gardens, supported in the latter endeavor by his loyal cement mixer.

Predeceased by his wife, Betty (in 2007), his brother, Ian (RCAF, killed in action in 1943 at age 20), and his sister, Catriona; survived by his brother, Hon. Alastair Gillespie and his children, Ian Gillespie, Dawn Loucks, Gail Pettinger, and Bruce Gillespie. 

Andrew will be greatly missed. He was cherished by all of his family, including 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and by colleagues and friends throughout the world. Andrew was a devoted husband, a highly es­teemed pediatrician, and a very well-educated and traveled individual who maintained his interest in learning well past retirement.
—Bruce Gillespie
—Ian Gillespie, MD
Victoria