Passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa in his 89th year, with his wife and daughters by his side.
He is greatly missed by his wife Catherine Bateson (née Gillett) of 58 loving years. Loving father to Sharon Thorne (Mark) of Oshawa, and Lynn Bateson of Whitby. Cherished grandfather of Brandon Thorne (Mercedes) of Bowmanville, and Kyle Thorne of Oshawa. Great Papa to Lyla and Clara Thorne. Predeceased by his parents John and Elsie Bateson, his sisters Pauline Dalton and Alwyn Barkworth, and cousin Margaret Tracy.
Gil will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephew in England and Italy, and by extended family and friends. Gil immigrated to Canada from Blackpool, England in 1974 with his wife and daughters. A skilled carpenter by trade, he accepted a job rebuilding vintage cars. He provided a safe and happy home for his family and enjoyed fishing and weekend family camping trips.
Gil and Cath worked hard at their relationship, dedicating their lives to one another—something to be proud of and admired. He was a rock for his daughters and grandsons, and he adored his great granddaughters.
Cremation has taken place. A private service will take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Society, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.
