Beverly McIlwain: Gold Coast mourns arts patron as ‘adoring grandmother’ after sudden passing

A Gold Coast arts benefactor has been remembered as an “adoring grandmother” and “passionate supporter” of the city’s performing arts community after her passing last week.

A RENOWNED Gold Coast arts benefactor has been remembered as an “adoring grandmother” and “passionate supporter of the arts” after her sudden passing last week.

Beverly McIlwain, 76, died on Christmas Eve, almost four years after the death of her husband and former Gold Coast city councillor Jock McIlwain.

Longtime supporters of the city’s performers, there was not much that happened in the arts precinct which the pair - described as “perfect” - weren’t involved in.

Jock & Beverly McIlwain were a “perfect pair”. Picture: Regina King

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Close friend and former Robina councillor Jan Grew said Beverly had as much love for the people of the Gold Coast as she did for her multiple grandchildren.

“She was a huge supporter of Griffith University, and had the Beverly McIlwain Scholarship Fund awarded by the Friends of the Arts,” she said.

“She was able to give young people a wonderful start in their arts careers, and she was very passionate about all of these things.

“She was just a wonderful lady and so passionate and kind. She’ll be very sadly missed, and I think it’s very sad we won’t see her in 2020.”

Jock McIlwain passed away in April 2016, and the pair leave behind grandchildren Erin, Adrian, Jordan Elliot and James.

Pictured here in 2002, Jock and Beverly were both passionate about the arts. Picture: Adam Head

“Beverly and her late husband Jock were a treasured part of the HOTA family,” she said.

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Beverly has been remembered as a loving sister to Rob and sister-in-law to Trish, as well as a loved aunt of James and Charmaine.

Home of the Arts CEO Criena Gehrke yesterday mourned the loss to the Gold Coast’s performing arts community.

“When Jock passed away three years ago, Beverly continued to be an avid supporter attending events and exhibitions.

“She was also very committed to supporting young artists to achieve their dreams through scholarships and private donations.

“Beverly and Jock’s passion and dedication to the arts and its role in education was highlighted four years ago when they established the ‘Jock and Beverly McIlwain Arts Bus Fund’.

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Their bus fund saw thousands of students access the city’s arts precinct.

“This fund has allowed over 10,000 Gold Coast children to gain access to the arts and culture program at HOTA. For this, we are very grateful.

“Like Jock, Beverly will be greatly missed but the McIlwain’s generosity and legacy will live on at HOTA and be felt for many generations to come.”

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Beverly’s life on Friday, January 3.

The service will be held at 1pm in the Garden Chapel of Allambe Gardens, 129 Nerang-Broadbeach Rd, Nerang.