I had the great privilege of playing the organ for a couple of the PEI Confederation choir tours in the UK on the south coast. He got an incredible sound out of the girls and it was clear that they hugely respected him. I prepared a choir for the St John Passion, which he came over to conduct at Clifton Campville (where his friend the late Rev Arthur Solomon was Rector); Gwilym accompanied my church choir in a performance of Stainer's Crucifixion on the same visit. A very fine musician who clearly had an impact on generations of young people and adults. I spoke to him on the 'phone a few years ago, after the death of Lois. Having experienced a number of losses in his life, I detected a loss of faith. He had, after all, given so much. Thank you, Gwil -I learned a lot from you in my 20s!
Condolences to the family.
Philip Wayne
What a long and rich life Gwilym lived. I was a choir girl of his on PEI for 10 + years including a wonderful trip England, Scotland and Wales in 1985. They are memories I will treasure forever. Summer camp was especially fun...he taught us how to play cricket in between practices...the Corgis enjoyed helping us! I was very fortunate to see Gwilym a few times in recent years before Covid and it was wonderful to reconnect. Sending you all my deepest sympathies. xo
Kate (Robertson) Pecora
I was sad to hear this week of the passing of Gwilym, but what a long & interesting life he lived! I lost touch with him many years ago - but was happy to get updates now and then from former choir members who lived closer to him. I was a member of the Confederation Girls Choir for close to 8 years & later the Chamber Choir. I am forever thankful for the opportunities & friendships made - memories I will cherish forever. Thank you Gwilym for opening up a whole new world of music to me at such a key time in my life and for the many lessons learned which I've held onto throughout my life. A formidable character, wonderful teacher, and friend that went above and beyond for me and many others. Thank you for the music. RIP Mr. Bevan.
Mabel Finch donated to GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
As a member of the Confederation Girls Choir for over 6 years, I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to learn and share in the love of music with Gwilym. He challenged our abilities to make us a stronger choir. Many memories of travelling, various concerts throughout the years and having him and the choir sing at my wedding will never be forgotten.
To Gwilym's family my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Rest in Peace MR. BEVAN
Singing in the Confederation Centre Girls Choir for eight years with Gwilym Bevan remains one of the most impactful experiences of my life. He taught me so much about singing and the music, encouraging some of us girls to go on to perform with the National Youth Choir and study music at university. Condolences to family. I will never forget Mr. Bevan and our choir experiences.
So many memories of Mr, Bevan from the Kirk of St James and the Confederation Centre Girls choir. I still take a spoonful of honey when my throat is sore or scratchy. The choir at the Kirk still has pieces arranged by Mr. B in their repertoire that we get to hear. I have thought of Mr. B often over the years; he had a huge impact on so many including myself. My condolences to the family.
Gwilym was one of my professors at UPEI. I was thinking of him just the other day while working on some music. His phrase "time before tune" rang in my head, and I had to smile.
My condolences to you all. May he rest in peace.
I was one of the choristers who learned so much under Gwilym's baton in the Confederation Singers, Charlottetown. I always remember him getting after us to keep our eyes up on the conductor, even drawing a pair of eyes on each of our programs! What a great contribution he made to the music world.
The passing of Gwilym prompts me to give thanks for his talent at the organ keyboard to lead so many of us youngsters to the choir program at Trinity United in Kitchener lo these many years. I, for one, have gone on to choir work into my seventies and give him the credit for the love of choral singing. To the family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jamie Hill
To Gwilym's family,
I was so saddened to hear that Gwilym (or Gwil as I called him) had passed away. We worked together for a number of years at Confederation Centre of the Arts and stayed in touch when I took a position at UPEI where there is an award in his name. I will miss our regular chats which he loved - I called him every two weeks from PEI - and was honoured to be his friend. My sincerest condolences to his family. You lived well, Gwilym, and brought wonderful music to life for many of us. Rosemary O'Malley-Keyes
