Gloria Lorraine Milliard
Gloria L. Milliard
October 14, 1930 – December 30, 2011
Gloria completed her last figure 8 on December 30, 2011.
We are saddened to announce the passing of our mother and grandmother on December 30, 2011. Gloria was predeceased by her husband John, and daughter in law, Helen. Left to mourn her passing are her two sons, Greg Milliard and Randy (Shelley) Milliard. She was affectionately known as ‘’Ammi’’ to her three grandchildren whom she adored, Dhanell (Cole) Tymchuk, Wyatt (Sarah) Milliard and Kyle (Leanne) Milliard. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Ava and Jace Tymchuk.
Gloria was born in Boston, Mass. and raised in Port Arthur, Ontario. She came west as a young girl to pursue her career as a professional figure skating coach. Her first stop was Vancouver and then to Kamloops in 1951 to accept the position of assistant pro at Mount Paul Figure Skating Club. She met the love of her life in Kamloops, John Milliard. They were married in 1952. Both Gloria and John’s passion was on the ice – he a hockey player and she a figure skating coach. It was a match made in heaven!! Gloria was instrumental in starting the Valleyview Figure Skating Club. She also coached in Salmon Arm, Vernon and Revelstoke. Gloria’s career spanned 4 decades before she retired from coaching in 1981. Her dedication to her students and to her sport will never be forgotten. One only had to look at the achievements of her skaters to see her results. She still has skating programs dating back to 1952! There was a card left on her bedside table this past Christmas, it said ‘’ Thank-you for teaching so many young folks to skate. Kamloops was lucky to have you!’’ Gloria will be nominated for induction into the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame. Even as Alzheimer’s took hold, Gloria could still remember a face as one she had coached 40 years earlier!
Gloria lived a rich and fulfilling life – leaving a legacy her children and grandchildren can be very proud of. She was a gifted artist, having taken up painting after her retirement from skating. Many of us have the pleasure of one of her paintings hanging in our homes. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed her home on Glenwood Drive for over 40 years. We will never watch a Canuck hockey game without thinking of her – she was one of their biggest fans!!
We will be forever grateful to the special angels of Ridgeview Lodge. They showed such care, compassion and love towards our Mom. To her neighbours on Glenwood Drive, thank-you for your friendship and looking out for Mom.
A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on Thursday January 5th, 2012 at 10:00 am at Schoening Funeral Chapel. She will be laid to rest beside her husband John at Hillside Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com
Flowers gratefully declined, however donations in Gloria’s name can be made to the following charities-
KIDSPORT KAMLOOPS – So all kids have the opportunity to be involved in sports, 910 McGill Road, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6N6 or CANUCK PLACE CHILDRENS HOSPICE, 1690 Matthews Ave Vancouver, B.C. V6J 2T2
‘’Giving life to music through skating was something I
wanted to be known for’’ … Peggy Fleming
Thanks for all the good painting sessions. Say hi to Mary for me. Christine
Dear Randy, Greg, Shelley & Kay; Our condolences on your loss. Thinking of all of you. Judy & Ken
I am so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing Randy and Greg. We lived on Glenwood Dr. during the years our daughter’s Lynne and Lana attended Valleyview school. From there we moved to Rayleigh, and hadn’t seen your parents in years. They were wonderful friends during those years.
Phyll
I have so many wonderful skating lesson memories of Gloria. She was a great teacher and very special person. My thoughts and condolences to you all.
Lynne
What a wonderful legacy of human tea pots and spirals your mom has left. I can still picture our old home movies of us in bunny suits, little Swiss girls and furry pink Eskimo girls. Thank you Mrs Milliard for some wonderful memories. I think I try to ‘be a tea pot’ every time I put on a pair of skates. You had a very special mother and I’m sure you have a multitude of memories to give you comfort at this time. Thinking of you, Lana (the little tea pot)
I was sorry to read about your Mother. I was the flower girl at her wedding many years ago and although I nevery spent time with her or your family the picures I have of your Mom in her wedding dress along with my cousin (bridesmaid) I still look at and remember fondly. I also took skating lessons from your Mom when I was just a young girl which I am no longer…. You are all very fortunate to have such wonderful memories to comfort you during this time. I too remember (the little tea pot) which I had such a hard time with I mostly fell and ended up breaking the tea pot.