23/07/2026
John Gilliard
It is with sadness Cabot learn of the recent and sudden passing of John Gilliard, a long standing supporter of Scouting in the Bristol area.
Although he had been Scouting in the background in recent years; John was a current Trustee and activity instructor at Brockmead Campsite, his involvement in the movement however, went back many years before this.
John’s Scouting journey began in the early 1980s when his son was involved in the 227th Bristol (St Peter’s). Always a great lover of the outdoors, his skills were soon spotted by Ray Smith, the then District Commissioner for Bristol North West, who asked him to join his team as Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts), a position he held for 12 years before standing down from this role in 1996.
One noticable task he undertook during this period was acting as the Scout Leader for the then struggling 62nd Bristol. On the verge of closure, John took over the Troop and whipped them into shape! A highlight has to be when he got the Scouts to make their own canoes (which took many hours), concluding the project by organising a canoeing expedition with them in their recently built boats! 🛶
He was for many years associated with the 4th Bristol, (1st Southmead) both in a leadership and Trustee capacity, as well as being a member of the newly formed Cabot District Executive.
John was recently put forward for a Silver Acorn to recognise his over 40 year commitment to Scouting. Sadly, he never got to hear that his nomination had been successful and as a result the award will be passed onto his family posthumously with our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
John Gilliard would have been rather proud of being referred to as ‘old school.’ Whilst he was a little baffled by some of the policies and directions the Scout Association have adopted in recent years, he was always a great advocate for young people going back to basics and doing practical Scouting in the outdoor environment. One of his final meetings in Scouting was to sit down with district personnel to see how we can improve our working partnerships with Brockmead campsite.
A true gentleman.
John Gilliard 1944 - 2026
Gone Home
