John Gillis
Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Westmount, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: October 26th, 2011
John Joseph Allan Gillis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, at the age of 86.
John was born in Glace Bay, Dec. 9, 1924, the only son of the late John R. and Margaret (Butler) Gillis.
John was a member of Holy Rosary parish, Westmount, since 1954 and a member of the parish Men’s Club.
He was employed by the Department of National Defence at Point Edward Naval Base and later at the Sydney Radar Base, until his retirement in 1982.
Though John was a quiet man, he taught his children many things by example. He had a keen interest in how things worked and a talent for repairing them for family and friends on a regular basis.
He was recognized for his part in the 1969 water rescue of two teenage girls at Blackett’s Lake and was acknowledged by the Red Cross for his dedication as a blood donor.
John was also known for his quick wit and contagious laugh that fortunately continued throughout his illness.
John was a devoted husband to Idella (Levangie) for the past 58 years. He is also survived by his six children, Caron Harker (Jim), Dartmouth, Sharon Fitzsimmons (Jim), Dartmouth, Michael (Sheila), Howie Centre, Denise MacNeil (Owen), Riverview, N.B., Scott (Elizabeth), Saint John, and Rosanne Gillis-Roy (Andre), Howie Centre. John was extremely proud of his 17 grandchildren, Chris, Andrew, Kylene, Tiana, Brad, Lindsay, Zach, Whitney, Erin, Mark, Adam, Ryan, Brandon, Shea, Callaghan, Sloan and Sophia; and his five great-grandchildren, Katelyne, Maclaine, Addison, Declan and Brogan. John is survived by one sister, Dorothy MacNeil (late John F.).
He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Morrison (late Vincent).
Special thanks to Dr. Liam Orrell, Dr. John Ritter, the palliative care nurses and especially the doctors and staff of Mira Bay at Harbourstone Enhanced Care who treated John like a member of their family since he became a resident in June 2007.
Visitation for Mr. Gillis will take place Sunday, Oct. 30 from 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 31 at Holy Rosary Church, Westmount, with Fr. Doug Murphy officiating. Reception to follow at Westside legion, Westmount.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Arthritis Society.
Online condolences to www.twcurry.com.
