Born February 15, 1926 in Vancouver. Passed away January 17, 2011 on Salt Spring Island, former BC Minister of Education, first female Deputy Premier in Canada, passionate believer in public service, and gracious pioneer for equality by deed as much as word. Daughter of Joseph John (Paddy) Gilmore and Mary Scott. Life-long champion of the underdog and noted pacifist, Eileen stood up to anyone on the playground making fun of her brother John (Jack) Gilmore. Joined the CCF as a 15 year-old and later the NDP. Graduate of John Oliver and the Vancouver Normal School. At 18, began teaching in a one room schoolhouse on Denman Island. Diminutive Eileen’s views on corporal punishment changed forever when she faced the folly of trying to strap a sturdy 17 year-old grade 8 student for running her purse up the flagpole. Taught in Burnaby until 1956 when elected to the Burnaby School Board. Served five terms as Trustee, three as Chair. In 1966, elected as first MLA in new riding of Burnaby North and served five terms. Respected members on both sides of the Legislature for serving their communities. BC Minister of Education and Deputy Premier with the Dave Barrett NDP government from 1972-1975. Particularly proud of introducing mandatory kindergarten; abolishing corporal punishment in BC schools (she received death threats for “banning the strap”) and creating the first aboriginal school district (the initial grad class invited Eileen back as their honoured guest, even though she was no longer Minister). Retired in 1987, and became the first woman named Freeman, Burnaby’s highest honour. Eileen believed strongly in our collective and individual responsibility as citizens. She had firm convictions, but was a team player who practiced politics and life with dignity. Ever polite, Eileen’s favourite epithet was “That so and so!” She will be missed. Eileen is survived by son, Robert Dailly, daughter-in-law Sally and grandchildren, Brodie, Freddie, Robbie, and Roxie of Salt Spring Island; dedicated and dear friend Les Harper; nieces, Cecelia Gilmore and Alison Kwasnycia and nephew, Kevin Gilmore; cousins, Eleanor and Billy Gilmore, and sister-in-law, Berenice Gilmore. Special thanks to Sony, Jay, and Terry, the staff and friends at Somerset House in Victoria, The Royal Jubilee in Victoria, and Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island. A memorial at the end of April will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Libby Stanton (Clapham)
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Shirley Fentiman Dear Rob and Sally
I have had the pleasure in knowing your mother Eileen for 15 years as her hairdresser. First at the old Eatons and then the Bay. She was such a wonderful and humble person. For the first few years of knowing her , I had no idea about her political background and her passion for fairness and equality. Over time, she would fill me in with the details of her political and personal achievements. The stories of her life continually facinated me along with her wit and humor. Swapping stories of our pasts and updating family news was always fun and entertaining. I visited Eileen when she first moved to Somerset House. She was giving away some beautiful plants that I gladly accepted as a gift. These plants now adorn my home and are a constant reminder of her generosity and memory. I will always treasure them. She talked lovingly about her family and her little trips to Salt Spring Island. Just before she stopped coming to the salon due to her health, we started to sing all the old songs that my mother used to sing. Eileen and I would sing along and dance a few steps in the salon. Soon we had the whole salon going! Les would bring her in every week. He is a wonderful man and a real gentleman. It was obvious he cared for her very much. Eileen talked about him with that lovely twinkle in her eyes and that wonderful smile that said it all. Eileen and I shared a lot of wonderful times together. I loved her very much and she will always be in my heart. SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
Love, Shirley
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Sheena Ashdown I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Eileen Dailly. My Mum, Jean Ashdown (nee Hempsall), was a childhood friend of Eileen’s. They attended General Brock Elementary School together and (I think) John Oliver High School.
Mum spoke very highly of Eileen all her life. She considered Eileen her best friend and had many funny and happy memories of their friendship. Mum died in April 2008, so perhaps she and Eileen have had a joyful reunion up there in heaven, with laughter, good fun and cheerful camraderie.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Sheena Ashdown
Bowen Island, BC
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Ila Appleby I began teaching when I was twenty-one. Previous to that I had taught children swimming lessons, been a lifeguard, coached nine-year olds softball, and volunteered several summers with the Summer Magic Program at Bonsor in Burnaby.
Though I was raised with corporal punishment in my home, I never agreed with it and always felt no one should have the right to hit anyone else as a punishment.
When Eileen Dailly announced the abolishment of corporal punishment in BC schools, I was elated. As a result of her decision, she always had my respect and gratitude. She went on to do many other good things for our school system and was one of the few effective Education Ministers during my thirty-five year teaching career. Thank-you, Eileen!
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Patricia Corbet Robbie John, offering condolences and fond memories at this sad time.
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marie onarheim Please accept our deepest sympathy. Many of us are colleagues of Eileen, and all of us appreciate the many good things she did for Education, for Burnaby and for British Columbia. We remember her with fondness and gratitude.
Sincerely
The Burnaby Retired Teacher’s Association
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Matt Offer jr. Eileen has made her mark on the educational system of B.C. We thanks her for her progressive views and political action. She will not be forgotten.
We have meet and chatted with her when she was Minister of Education and will never forgot her. Her family can be proud of her legacy.
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adena what a wonderful , kind, “old school” lady Eileen was. I am so privelaged to have know her-just a bit.
My love to Rob, Sal,Kevin and all he remaining family. She will leave a deep hole.
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Les. Ainsworth Miss Gilmore was my Grade 2 teacher at Kitchener Elementary in 1950-1951. My condolances to her Family.
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Ken I am very sorry to hear of the death of your mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Eileen was one of the major contributor to an ongoing project on the History of South Vancouver and John Oliver High School. She contributed much information to the book which has not yet been published. I have a one hour good quality DVD of the interview that I did of Eileen in 2002 should you wish a copy.
She left a wonderful legacy of contributions to society and education in particular.
Very sincerely
Ken MacLeod
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Carole James Eileen was a role model for many of us, through her strong values, her deep belief in fairness and justice, and her strength and sense of purpose she brought to her political work and life!
I will miss my visits, but her extraordinary legacy in this province will remain, particularly in every school and for every child.
My thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Eileen Dailly. I remember visiting as a child and having a wonderful time with cousins. Please accept my sympathies as this is the first news I’ve heard of anyone in the family in about 10 years.
Sincerely,
Libby Stanton (Clapham)