Obituary for Claude Julian Gidman
Dr. Claude Julian Gidman, 87, of Fergus, Ontario, passed away peacefully, on April 21st, 2022 at Guelph General Hospital, Ontario.
Claude is survived by his wife, Monica Joan, sister Janelle Thomas, children Julia Garratt, Deborah Bergman, and Gregory Gidman, grandchildren Simeon, Sarah, Hannah, Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Michael, Jenna, Scott, Josie, Trent, Donovan, Angelina, and Scarlet. Great grandchildren Kiana, Joey, Lucas, Theodore, Ellis, Charlie, and James.
Claude is predeceased by his parents Ogden and Ethel (nee Amundsen) Gidman, and sister Louise Gidman.
Claude was born in Claresholm, Alberta, on October 17th, 1934.
Claude Gidman was an eclectic individual and creative thinker, who dedicated his life to God. His vocation accomplishments included designing the Toronto Streetcar, the Orion II Kneeling bus, the Niagara Falls People Mover, and developed projects including snowmobiles, Brita filtered-water jugs, cleaning equipment, and Motor Graders. His career started with Ford Britain.
Even though growing up in the farming country of Alberta, he aspired from an early age to be an Industrial Designer and eventually graduated from the Art Center School of Design in Los Angelas, and later opened his own company, Gidman Design Associates.
Claude also had his hand in academics, Chairing the Industrial Design and Fine Arts Departments at Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD) where he was awarded the first ever Honorary Doctorate by the institution. He developed the Creative Design Research Unit, partnering with U of T and Ryerson University.
Claude impacted the lives of many as he navigated a complex and busy life professionally, with his heart for God. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years, opened his home to groups of youth and adults, organized church picnics, sang in men’s groups, and always set an example of Christ’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy, through his love and actions.
Still, he found time for exploring, camping, skiing, and taking his family on many memorable trips. He always made others feel valued. He gave from an abundantly generous heart. He looked at life through a unique lens. Some of Claude’s art and design will be displayed at the Thanksgiving of Life.
Thanksgiving of Life service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church at 675 Victoria Terrace, Fergus, ON N1M 3E2 on April 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. All friends and family are invited and there will be a reception following in the church.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Nation-to-Nation at https://www.nation-to-nation.com
Faith Mission Canada at https://faithmissioncanada.org
Claude is survived by his wife, Monica Joan, sister Janelle Thomas, children Julia Garratt, Deborah Bergman, and Gregory Gidman, grandchildren Simeon, Sarah, Hannah, Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Michael, Jenna, Scott, Josie, Trent, Donovan, Angelina, and Scarlet. Great grandchildren Kiana, Joey, Lucas, Theodore, Ellis, Charlie, and James.
Claude is predeceased by his parents Ogden and Ethel (nee Amundsen) Gidman, and sister Louise Gidman.
Claude was born in Claresholm, Alberta, on October 17th, 1934.
Claude Gidman was an eclectic individual and creative thinker, who dedicated his life to God. His vocation accomplishments included designing the Toronto Streetcar, the Orion II Kneeling bus, the Niagara Falls People Mover, and developed projects including snowmobiles, Brita filtered-water jugs, cleaning equipment, and Motor Graders. His career started with Ford Britain.
Even though growing up in the farming country of Alberta, he aspired from an early age to be an Industrial Designer and eventually graduated from the Art Center School of Design in Los Angelas, and later opened his own company, Gidman Design Associates.
Claude also had his hand in academics, Chairing the Industrial Design and Fine Arts Departments at Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD) where he was awarded the first ever Honorary Doctorate by the institution. He developed the Creative Design Research Unit, partnering with U of T and Ryerson University.
Claude impacted the lives of many as he navigated a complex and busy life professionally, with his heart for God. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years, opened his home to groups of youth and adults, organized church picnics, sang in men’s groups, and always set an example of Christ’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy, through his love and actions.
Still, he found time for exploring, camping, skiing, and taking his family on many memorable trips. He always made others feel valued. He gave from an abundantly generous heart. He looked at life through a unique lens. Some of Claude’s art and design will be displayed at the Thanksgiving of Life.
Thanksgiving of Life service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church at 675 Victoria Terrace, Fergus, ON N1M 3E2 on April 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. All friends and family are invited and there will be a reception following in the church.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Nation-to-Nation at https://www.nation-to-nation.com
Faith Mission Canada at https://faithmissioncanada.org