John C. Gilmour

BRUNSWICK – Born Jan. 23, 1939, in Rostraver, Westmoreland, Pa., John was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. He passed away April 24, 2026.

John earned a PhD from Emery University and taught at Hofstra and Norwich Universities before finding his niche at Alfred University in rural western New York, where he taught Philosophy and led a number of interdisciplinary projects from 1970 to 2001. He developed a new course of study at Alfred called Philosophy of Art. He published two books, edited another and wrote several papers for scholarly journals about art and creativity. He had a sincere interest in the arts, regularly visiting galleries and studios.

John moved to Maine after retirement, living in Newcastle and then Brunswick. One of the reasons for the move to Maine was to be near the ocean, rivers and coves where he became an enthusiastic sailor on Casco Bay.

He was also an avid gardener and loved flowers. He maintained gardens everywhere he lived. He wanted a beautiful garden in spring, summer and autumn.

Singing became one of John’s greatest loves. He sang with Vox Nova for many years and later with Una Voce Chamber Choir. He never missed a rehearsal unless he was ill. Music gave him great pleasure and was very important in his life.

He was interested in film and audited film classes at Bowdoin College. He enjoyed jazz and regularly attended the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Newport Jazz Festival and Bang on the Can.

John met Nancy Shaw in 2017. They had over eight years together and enjoyed many trips, including England, France, Germany and Alaska. They regularly attended Portland Symphony and Portland Stage.

John was predeceased by his parents Daniel Gilmour Jr. and Mae Nicholls Gilmour; stepdaughter Barbara Harrington (Terry Harrington); and second wife, Sheila Williams Wall Gilmour.

He is survived by his brother Daniel Gilmour III; sons Andrew Doud (Monica Fox Doud), Brian Doud; grandchildren Jonah and Samuel Doud; stepchildren William Wall, Sara Bollinger (Christopher Bollinger), Mary Wall (Marc Shankman); step-grandchildren Jeremy Wall, Kelley Wall Kovacs, Matthew and Alex Harrington, Deana Bollinger Ingram and his partner Nancy Shaw.

A celebration of life will be held on June 27 at 11 a.m. at the Brunswick Hotel with a virtual connection for remote friends.

Contributions in John’s honor may be made to:

Una Voce Chamber Choir https://unavocechamberchoir.org/ or the

charity of your choice