From a young age John had always had a passion and a fascination with the power of Nature. An avid hiker, x-country skier, swimmer, and long distance runner, he felt most connected with the world when he was immersed in its natural beauty. His respect for its unpredictability was a constant reminder that there is a force much large than human life. Fittingly, it was in the waters of the Caribbean Sea that John's life was taken on November 20, 2007 at the young age of 36 years.

John was a man of courage, strength, integrity, humor, wisdom, compassion, and love. Always understated in all that he did, his quiet but powerful ways touched so many lives. His thirst for knowledge and challenge was always balanced with his confidence that everything happens for a reason. He believed that there was no greater way to live than to lead by example.

There was no love more pure than John's love for his wife Tanya and their two beautiful sons Alexander and Isaac. Midnight feedings and Waffle Sundays were as much a joy to him as they were to his boys. One of the treasured gifts he gave his family was the art of expressing his soul through his beautiful piano music. John and Tanya enjoyed thirteen amazing years of marriage and grew together, sharing and realizing many dreams. Their most recent adventure was a family ""honeymoon"" to a tropical destination.

As a crown prosecutor, John was always mindful of the importance of integrity. Acutely aware that he was dealing with the lives of people, he often stated that he was not there to judge anyone, and that the only thing different between himself and any other human being was the set of circumstances. His compassion was immeasurable.

An active member in his community, John truly believed in the power of giving. Involved in the U of L Alumni Association, Senate, and Board of Governors, as well as the Lethbridge Bar Association, he saw great value in giving back and offering assistance whenever possible. Having taught sesionally at both Lethbridge College and in the U of C Social Work faculty at the U of L, he made it a personal challenge to share his passion for law and engage his students.

John leaves many friends and family members behind to celebrate his life; his wife Tanya; children Alexander (4 years) and Isaac (8 months); parents Peter and Kay Gill of Beaverlodge, Alberta; sisters Anne-Marie Gill, Carolyn (Clayton) Graham and brother Stephen Gill all of Edmonton. John also leaves behind in-laws George and Lorna Baranec of Bentley, Alberta; brother-in-law Jason Baranec of Lethbridge, Alberta; and sister-in-law JoAnne (Greg) Lloyd of Peachland, British Columbia; one niece, three nephews, and many extended family members as well friends are left to celebrate the gift John was in their lives.

A Memorial Celebration of John's life will take place at the GALT MUSEUM (502 - 1 Street South [5th Ave and Scenic Dr. South]) on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are being accepted toward a trust fund for his sons, Alexander and Isaac. Donations may be delivered or mailed to Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels (610 - 4 Street South Lethbridge,(403) 328-2361) or CIBC Wood Gundy (1000-400 4 Avenue South Lethbridge, AB (403) 382-2060).