Obituaries

Gillian, met with us in Houston. We were so happy to meet in person. We could not have found a kinder breeder, she knew her puppies! We lost our girl of 13 yrs and were ready for another of her pups. We were so very heart broken to read the news! I am so very sorry! May God comfort you as you go through this walk here without her. Praying for peace that passes all understanding! ~ Denise Jones, Richmond, Texas

I had recently lost my Afghan Hound Iceman December of 1998. There is a large Dog Show in January every year out in Palm Desert. I had driven out there in hopes that seeing some goofy, fun Afghans would make me feel a bit happier. Well that just made me more sad so I wandered over to the obedience ring and saw this lady, who's name was Nancy sitting with an absolutely stunning GSD; Tess von Fernheim. I just went "Wow! and thought to myself "now that is the way a GSD should look!" I walked up and introduced myself and asked who had bred her dog. And so began years of a most special friendship with Gillian. We met once in person but I felt as though we were family. As a matter a fact Gill and I decided we probably were. She called me if it was earlier this year or last year, she had sent in one of those genetic tests and it revealed she had Nordic Blood in her:) She was so excited because we had always said we were probably family somehow, her from England and me from Sweden. I mean how could we not be:) She loved to do yoga to this special Viking music and she said it always made her think of me when she was contorted into some posture to her music:) Many are the miles of emails we have shared over the years talking about anything and everything between Heaven and Dogs:) I am on my third Fernheim Shepherd. Grew up with GSD and found them again when I found Gillian. They are my breed even though I had to have a completely untrainable Afghan just once in my life:) Gillian's dogs are part of who I am and I can't imagine my life without them. I pray someone will be able to honor and preserve the old DDR lines the way you have. My sweet, sweet Gillian, may you now have peace and no pain. I miss you terribly already my special, beautiful friend. But I know we will meet again. I just do. Jim, Stacey and Ryan, you are in my prayers. I can only imagine the depth of your loss. Love and peace to all of you. ~ Lena Persson, Highland, California

What can I say that hasn't already been said? Gill was an amazing woman, mother and friend. I met her 14 years ago when I moved my massage practice into the same building as Jim's. She has come every week since and I've heard so many stories from her childhood with V and the families' neighbors to Ryan and his air conditioner breaking down... She was a complete joy. I looked forward to Thursdays at 4... my own comedy hour. 🙂 One day, I put chimes above the massage table for "looks". I made the mistake of telling her to "ring the chimes when you're ready". After the first time, and her getting on the table in 4 seconds, I took them down. Hee Hee! I need to, at least, wash my hands and breathe before going into session with Gill. She's a ball of energy. A real lightening bolt encapsulated in a human body. I absolutely loved her as a friend, confidant and teacher. Be in the moment. Be true to your family. Be real. Be fair and forgiving. Gill, you'll ALWAYS be in my mind and heart! Michael says "A-low" ~ Jenn Knowles, Denison, Texas

I got my first pup from Gill nearly 40 years ago. He was a wonderful dog, so I continued getting my GSD's from her. I now own #6, Xania Eiche von Fernheim (Timber), 5 years old. Each new dog was a treasure to me, each one gave me love and so much joy. My dogs were companions, and also models. I am an artist. One of my goals was to promote the breed, through my paintings. She was thrilled to see her dogs represented in artwork and she always picked out a pup for me that she thought was visually striking, knowing it would be featured in paintings and photography! She never failed. Every dog she chose was perfect, inside and out! ((: As time passed, Gill and I got to know one another better. We would often email back and forth about various things. My favorite subject was England, so she would tell me stories of growing up over there, and how sad she was at the changes taking place. Each year at Christmas, I looked forward to her newsletters catching all of her puppy owners up on news of her dogs, which I know everyone enjoyed. This I will miss so much! When she got sick, I was devastated, and did my best to stay in touch and encourage her. She was a strong woman. To say I will miss her, and the fine dogs she bred and trained, is an understatement. Her death leaves a hole in my heart. ~ Marsha McDonald, Weatherford, Texas

Jim, my thoughts are with you, old friend. Gill was a classy but not stuffy lady. Be at peace. ~ Jim Bryan, Dallas, Texas

My memories of Gill start in our early childhood as she was born five days after me in the house next door. There were no other near neighbours and we played together often. So many happy times come to mind, from the times when we shared a pram, not remembered but seen on a photograph, to trying to keep up with her and Vee, with their 'two wheelers,' on my little three wheeler bike, feeding the chickens, the cow lick by the fence, buttercup glue at primary school where we shared a desk and going to her birthday party from a wedding in my first pair of sheer stockings, smart ones with seams, playing on the haystack. We enjoyed so many fun times and so much laughter together, along with other friends of whom she had a good many. We learnt to drive at the same time and shared lifts to school in the VI form. From the age of about 11, we learnt to play the violin together, playing in the school orchestra and the Music Festival in Brigg. On one of the senior orchestral weekend courses, the visiting conductor, Bernard Shaw pointed to us at the back of the orchestra, to play Violin 4, just the two of us. His question was, 'Are they strong players, Mr. Oldale?' Gill certainly was. In whatever she has done, she has been 'a strong player', and a shining light. It was lovely to meet up when she was able to visit the UK, to meet her family, for our children to meet and once again to share stories and laughter. Gill, my love and prayers are with you. May God bless you and give you rest as you are welcomed into His heavenly kingdom. ~ Brenda Gwyther, SCOTTER GAINSBOROUGH

Gillian, My friend, I will miss judging with you and laughing about how your dogs were never "ready" to certify knowing I was about to see an impeccable performance. I know you had a long hard fight and I am happy you are at peace. Jim, Stacey, and Ryan you are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Charlene Dunn, Fort Worth, Texas

Jim Bob, thinking of you and will be trying to be at Gill's service on Sat. ~ JERRY JACKSON, GUTHRIE, Oklahoma

RIP Gillian.. you were a great friend and breeder of GSDs.. may you get to see all those great dogs who meant so much to you again and go for those long walks in peace.. ~ MelloDee Middleton, Princeton, Texas

Gill was a great companion to me at the University of Leicester, UK, where we were fortunately next door neighbours in hall and therefore well placed to share in each other's parental visits and ease the break from home. We became great friends, sharing meal times and the journey to lectures when we could. Although we studied different courses (languages and psychology) that did not stop us from laughing together a great deal as we saw the same humour in life. This sense of fun was part of our communications for the past fifty years along with our family news and love of dogs. I hope you all have time to adjust gradually in the New Year, while knowing that the website Fernheim German Shepherds is a wonderful legacy that can be looked back on as testimony to Gill's committed work with our canine friends. We all send our condolences from our family to yours. You are all very much in our thoughts. ~ Linda Grierson, High Wycombe, UK

My most sincere condolences to Jim, Stacey, Ryan, and all family of Gillian. As are all of you, I am so sad to hear of her passing, but I know our Holy Father is taking care of her now. My family loved her dearly. I was so blessed to have five of her dogs over the decades, Gabie, Tascha, Ammo, Pax, and Ruffy. The joy they gave me and continue to give me is priceless, and will remain Gill's legacy. I have no doubt that she was greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by many pricked up ears and barks of joy! Godspeed my friend. ~ Helen Cariotis, Duncanville, Texas

Gillian, how to find the words to express our grief is difficult. We have known each other for many many years. You were my go to person for GSDs, but more importantly, you were my friend. Your kindness and willingness to always offer a helping hand will never be forgotten. You touched so many people in such a positive way, helping unite them with a trusted four-legged friend. Your gentle soul helped make this world a better place for all that knew you. Now its time for you to rest and enjoy many happy reunions with those who have been waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge. GOD SPEED Gillian. You will be missed immensely until we see each other again. ~ Keith Clements USDOJ - K9 Retired, Dallas, Texas

So difficult to put into words what you've meant to me and my husband through our connection with dogs--and my Magical-Dawg in particular. You blessed our family, and will be deeply missed. I am glad that you no longer struggle with the pain of illness, and pray those you touched and especially Jim and your whole family, take comfort in the joy you gave to so many. ~ Amy Shojai, Sherman, Texas

Godspeed Gillian. You were a wonderful mentor to me and I will always remember your practical wisdom on tracking and training. Thank you for "Katie Rose (Jubilee)" and "Yasmina Rose." Deepest condolences to Jim and the family at this very sad time. ~ Catherine Magnuson, Clifton Park, New York

My dear Gillian. So so saddened to hear of your passing. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to your family. May you rest in peace. ~ Laurie Tollifson, Gainesville, Texas

Gillian was the breeder of several of my dogs. She was a mentor and I took pride I owning and trialing her dogs. Prayers to Jim and the kids.

Gillian was one of my very nearest and dearest friends. I loved her greatly and will miss her terribly. She fought a valiant battle. Go rest high on that mountain, Gillian. ~ Judy Malone, Diana, Texas