John Carl Gillies
Passed on: August 10th, 2008
54, Port Hood John Carl Gillies, 54, Port Hood, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Aug. 10, 2008. Born in Inverness, he was the son of the late Alex Allan Gillies and Bernice (Wood) Gillies. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Karen, of 33 years; loving children, Kyle (Shannon Graham), Judique, Kelsie, Port Hood; cherished grandson, Hayden Jeffrey Gillies; beloved brothers, Doug, Kyte, Bernard (Rosemary), Port Hood; loyal sisters, Shirley, Sudbury, Mass., Mary (Terrence - great friend and brother-in-law) MacNeil, Port Hood; nephews, Lance, Chad; nieces, Jenna, Justine and Marissa. He was employed by the Department of Justice, beginning in 1986 at the Port Hood Correctional Center as superintendent and in 1990 became fine options officer with the Community Corrections Office at Port Hawkesbury where he served all of Cape Breton Island and three Eastern counties of Nova Scotia. In 1992, he accepted the position of probation officer where he was employed until the time of his death. He was an integral part of Corrections and while in the capacity as Officer of Community Corrections, he served as youth specialist representing the Port Hawkesbury office and also served as a representative on the Interagency Committee in Waycobah, Inverness and Port Hawkesbury. He was highly respected in all communities that he served and was known as a man of faith, integrity and fairness and was loved by all his clients, co-workers and judiciary. This has manifested itself in the many calls and cards received from all during his illness. He was an active member of the Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department, First Responders, KOC, past member of St. Peter’s Parish Council and sat on the board of directors of Our Mother of Sorrows Shrine in Mabou. In addition, he was actively involved in the Challenge and Cursillo movements. He took an avid interest in playing guitar and in his children’s athletic and educational endeavors. He was a well-respected member of the community and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Tuesday, 7-9 p.m., and Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Port Hood Community Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood, with Rev. R.D. Smith officiating. Burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Donations may be made to the St. Peter’s Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to invernessfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca.
