He was born in Governors Bay and as a boy he roamed over the Port Hills. His father who was head gardener at the Edmonds Factory Garden trained him.

Before joining the City Council, Mr Gilpin worked at a Christchurch nursery, joined the Dunedin City Council, and was then grounds supervisor for the North Canterbury Hospital Board.

Mr Gilpin joined the council in 1949 as assistant director of parks and reserves. In 1955, on the retirement of the director, Morris Barnett, Mr Gilpin was appointed director of the Botanic Gardens.

He held the position until his retirement in 1979. He immediately he became part-time acting curator of the gardens for a 12-months, during the absence overseas of the curator.

In his 24 years as director, Mr Gilpin made a significant contribution to the expansion, development, and management of the city’s parks and reserves.

His responsibilities covered the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, Mona Vale, and many district parks. He also had responsibilities, which embraced swimming pools, cemeteries, street plantings, and plantations.

Mr Gilpin had a particular interest in reserves on the Port Hills.

He was active in a number of voluntary groups, including the Summit Road Society, the Canterbury Horticultural Society, and the Christchurch Beautifying Association. He continued his interest in these groups in retirement.