It’s with great sadness to hear of the passing of Dr. Kuldip Gill of Mission after suffering a brief illness. I was fortunate enough to meet Kuldip on several occasions. I recall speaking with her last year at the writer’s conference in Mission where she was the Masters of Ceremonies. When Dr. Gill spoke, she upheld a presence and elevated the conversation with calmness and respect. Always thinking before she spoke her pure elegance and wealth of knowledge was admired. I remember discussing her father (Indar) with her, which always brought a glowing smile to her face.
Dr. Gill, was known for her extensive work in literary across Canada and was the recipient of enormous awards. In 2000, Dharma Rasa, her book of poetry received the BC Book award. Her second book, Valley Sutra is scheduled for fall publication. She is also the author of many anthologies, journals and non- fiction articles. I had a friend, who attended one of her poetry readings and was struck with the slow and defined thought process. He was amazed to see how poets take a moment to reflect on every word. Her poetry has been aired on CBC Radio and in numerous one hour shows at Co-op Radio in Vancouver. She has read at libraries, colleges, and community venues in BC and other provinces.
Kuldip, came to British Columbia from India as a young girl in 1939 at the age of five, and later settled in Mission City with her family. Her family was one of the first Indo Canadian families to settle in Mission. Graduating from Mission Secondary in 1952, Kuldip worked in BC’s forestry and mining for 20 years before returning to academia. She would start her post secondary education at the age of 30 and later received her Doctorate in Anthropology in 1988. She also earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing in 2004. She taught at many universities including University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Open University and University of the Fraser Valley where she taught creative writing and was the first “ Poet in Residence”. She understood the components in building an inclusive, diverse community. She had extensive knowledge in engaging in diverse communities and led many forums on cross-cultural issues. As a medical anthropologist, she worked in Third World countries and specialized on South Asian, South Pacific and First Nations people. For example, she would examine the cancer treatment of minorities and their special needs and set criteria in developing a organization.
Dr. Gill, was the recipient of the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal in 2000 and received an Honorary Degree from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2005. Hear are just some of the highlights of her community work: past president of the YWCA, member of the Federal Cross Culture Round Table on Security, Vancouver Police Diversity Advisory Committee and RCMP Cultural Advisory Committee, National Parole Board and Centre for Indo Canadian Studies at UFV.
Manpreet Grewal, Manager, Multicultural & Immigrant Services at Abbotsford Community Services said, “ Dr. Kuldip Gill was a picture of grace and poise and a great role model for South Asian Women. I always enjoyed working with her in different capacities and appreciated her commitment and dedication to community causes especially women’s issues. We benefited from her skills as a judge for the Cultural Diversity Awards for a couple of years. Was shocked to learn of her sudden death. It is always a loss when we loose someone of her caliber”.
University of the Fraser Valley, Communication Professor Madelin Hardin said, “ Kuldip had such presence. She was beautiful, radiant, and gracious. Her broad smile and warm eyes were always welcoming. What I will miss most about her is her soft, low voice. Her voice was soothing and yet authoritative and her laugh was infectious. We've all been so lucky to have her with us”.
We were fortunate to have her return back to Mission after being away for almost 40 years. As she termed it, “ I completed a full circle”. Locally, she was instrumental in developing the Mission Arts Council, she was currently serving as vice president.
Several online tributes were signed in her guest book. One writer said, “ Her achievements, her poetry, her work helping others, her warm way of being in the world and her enjoyment of life, leave an expansive legacy. She has touched so many lives”.
There will be a public memorial on June 6 from 1-3pm at the Best Western Hotel in Mission.
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