Official Announcement from the Office of the Territorial Commander:

General Bramwell H. Tillsley was promoted to glory on November 2, 2019 from his home at The Salvation Army Meighen Retirement Residence in Toronto, Canada (see end of article for visitation and funeral details). In 1993, he was elected 14th General and international leader of The Salvation Army (1993-1994). Together with his wife, Mrs. General Maude Tillsley, World President of Women's Organizations, Bramwell travelled the world, nurturing Salvationists in their faith and highlighting the work of The Salvation Army.

Bramwell was born in Kitchener, Ontario, on August 18, 1931, to Salvationists Harold and Doris Tillsley, who had emigrated from England to Canada just a few years before. He accepted Christ at a young age and became actively involved at Kitchener Citadel, including as a junior soldier, corps cadet, bandsman and cornet soloist.

In 1953, Bramwell married his beloved Maude Tillsley, nee Pitcher, and together they entered the Toronto College for Officer Training in 1955 as cadets in the Sword Bearers Session. Upon their commissioning in 1956, they were appointed as corps officers in Windsor, Nova Scotia, followed by Oakville, Ontario. They served for the next six years at the training college in Toronto before their appointments as divisional youth officers in Saskatchewan and corps officers at North Toronto Citadel in 1966. In 1969, the Tillsleys returned to the training college in Toronto where Bramwell took up the position of education officer. He went on to become training principal, first at the St. John’s College for Officer Training and then in the USA Eastern Territory.

In 1977, the Tillsleys returned to Newfoundland, with Bramwell appointed as the provincial commander. The position of divisional commander in the Metro Toronto Division followed, bringing the Tillsleys to home ground. Bramwell became the principal of the international training college in London, England in 1981, the chief secretary of the USA Southern Territory in 1985 and the territorial commander in Australia Southern Territory in 1989. Bramwell was appointed Chief of the Staff at International Headquarters in London, England, in 1991.

General Tillsley received his bachelor of arts in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario and furthered his studies at Wycliffe College in Toronto. He was a gifted writer and communicator who authored many books on biblical studies and holiness, including Life in the Spirit, This Mind in You and Manpower for the Master.

General Tillsley was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. General Maude Tillsley, who was promoted to glory in 2014. Loving prayers are extended to the General’s sister, Lt-Colonel Audrey Wilder (Lt-Colonel John) of Oshawa, Ontario, and to his children and their families: The Reverend Dr. Barbara Robinson (Major Malcolm) of Brockville, Ontario; Commissioner Mark Tillsley (Commissioner Sharon) of London, UK; John Tillsley (Margaret) of Queensville, Ontario.



Visitation and Funeral Details for General Bramwell H. Tillsley

Visitation:
The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church
15338 Leslie St. Aurora, ON L4G 7C4
Friday, November 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 9, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Funeral:
The Salvation Army, Northridge Community Church
Saturday, November 9, 2:00 p.m.

Funeral service to be led by Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the international work of The Salvation Army.

Please continue to support the General’s family in your prayers:
Daughter - The Rev. Dr. Barbara Robinson (Major Malcolm)
Son - Commissioner Mark Tillsley (Commissioner Sharon)
Son - John Tillsley (Margaret)
Sister - Lt-Colonel Audrey Wilder (Lt-Colonel John)
Sister-in-law - Major Eileen Peat

Comment

On Monday, November 4, 2019, Robert Fitzgibbon said:

General Tillsley has been a consistent worldwide ambassador for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His warm and endearing heart will be missed by many. We offer words of comfort and promises of a great reunion to his family. Robert Fitzgibbon

 

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, J McA said:

How deeply grateful to God we are for a hero of the faith who has profoundly impacted our lives.

 

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