Gillian Watson passed away suddenly on December 28, 2017 at the age of 70 in Victoria, BC.  She was much beloved by and will be deeply missed by close family and friends, students, and academic colleagues across Canada and the UK.
Gillian was born on April 13, 1947 in the East End of London “within the sound of Bow Bells”, making her an authentic Cockney. She moved to Toronto in 1973, where she met Thom Quine.  Their son Patrick Watson Quine was born on October 9, 1975.
Gillian completed an undergraduate degree and Masters degree in Psychology at McGill University, and received a DPhil in Psychology from Oxford University in 1984.   Gillian returned to Canada and made her home in Vancouver, British Columbia, for many years, lecturing in Social Psychology at UBC until in 2010, when she moved to Salt Spring Island.
Gillian volunteered at the Salt Spring Island Archives for six years, ending as acting manager. She was instrumental in a cemetery history project and made stunning displays for public events like Remembrance Day at the Canadian Legion and for the Fighting for Justice on the Coast exhibition.
Out of respect for her dedication to the project we request donations in her memory to the Salt Spring Island Archives at this link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/14418
Gillian loved the West Coast and took countless exquisite photographs of her adopted land, and especially of the birdlife found there.  She became a Canadian citizen on July 1, 2017.  Her profound intelligence and curiosity made her life a constant exploration – from the natural world (especially birds) to poetry, human nature, art and culture, and yes, mortality.
Gillian is survived by her son Patrick Watson Quine and her sister Rosemary Watson, and numerous extended family and friends who mourn her passing.
We will miss you Gillian.