After a short illness, local identity Joy Gilmour passed away on 24 February 2014, aged 90. Born in Tasmania in 1923, the only child of Dick and Ivy Clarke, she had lived at Upper Ferntree Gully and Upwey for 72 years.
Joy came to the mainland seeking work and found it in the office of Thomas Hayes Proprietor of the Upper Ferntree Gully Timber and Hardware.
Tom also had a timber mill at Gembrook, employing a large number of men and needed a capable bookkeeper for both businesses.
She also got herself a husband when she married the boss!
They were married at St Johns, Ferntree Gully, and soon became proud parents of three boys, John, Roderick and Trevor.
Sadly, Tom contracted tuberculosis and died at the age of 44 after being married for only nine years.
Joy proved to be a very capable woman after Tom’s death and was able to continue running the large business even though whe was a young window with three small children to care for. With many workmen who were depending on their jobs she was faced with a daunting task but she maintained the business until her sons eventually took over.
Joy remarried to local nurseryman Gordon Gilmour who became an instant family man and a wonderful husband.
The three boys loved and respected him and a daughter, Deborah, was born, completing their family.
Not withstanding her business commitments, Joy pursued many of her own interests.
She was passionate about all sports, most keen on tennis and badminton, playing many years with Upper Ferntree Gully.
She was also a dedicated supporter of Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club where her sons played.
After living many years in Upwey, Joy and Gordon moved to Glengollan Village.
After being married for 54 years, Joy lost her husband Gordon in 2008.
With the love and support of her family, eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, and many friends she was helped through her sorrow and loss.
A trip to France with son Trevor was a recent happy and memorable time, especially climbing the Eiffel Tower with granddaughter Kelly who resides in France.
She continued driving, visiting family and friends, and being involved with local community. After a fall which broke her hip she gave up driving at 89 years old.
But that didn’t stop her getting out and about with son Trevor pushing her wheelchair all around the town, stopping to chat to the locals and keeping up with events.
She loved her life and she loved people, never forgetting names, interested in everyone and everything.
Because she had married into two local pioneer families, the Hayes from Belgrave/Ferntree Gully and the Gilmours from Belgrave/Kallista she knew many local families, their history and marriage connections.
She was a great help, untangling who was who, especially for those tracing their family history. She was a stickler for accuracy and was always respectful for the privacy of others.
Joy Gilmour will be remembered with great respect and affection by the many who had the pleasure to know her.
