GILLIES, EUGENE FRANCIS (of Grand Manan and Fredericton) - It is with great sadness that the family of Eugene (Gene) F. Gillies announce his passing on 17 August, 2014 after a brave battle with cancer. Born April 28, 1932 in Fredericton, he was the youngest son of the late Clarence and Hilda (Smith) Gillies of Lincoln, New Brunswick. Gene is survived by his partner Cecilia Bowden (Searle) and his four children Tim (Shelia) of Fredericton, Anne James (Jessie) of Grand Manan, Jane Nemec (Frank) of Rouses Point, New York and John (Aidan) of Toronto, Ontario and seven grandchildren; Robert (Lindsey), Ann (Cory Glauser), and Thom Gillies, John and Tim Mitchell and Jeff and Mark Nemec. Gene also leaves brother Gerald (Jo) of Lincoln, sister Audrey Simpson of Toronto and brother Rayworth of Fort Myers, Florida. Gene was a career civil servant having worked for N.B. Power and N.B Housing Corporation for over thirty years. He was a graduate of Fredericton High and attended Mount Allison University. He was a well-known Frederictonian who was elected to city council in 1959 and served until 1973. He was the Deputy Mayor in 1962-63 under W.T Walker. Gene was a generous donor to the Red Cross and a proud member of the Masonic Lodge. Gene loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In 1959 he won the NB Skeet Shooting Championship scoring a perfect 100/100. He had a great love of Grand Manan and eventually bought a home there where he lived his life to the fullest. Gene and Ce for many years hosted people from across the world at their cottages over the summer months. He will be remembered as a real character who loved to tease and enjoy the company of visiting family and friends. The family would like to express thanks to the many caregivers for their support over the last number of months.
The family will receive friends at McAdams Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton on Wednesday evening (August 20, 2014) from 6 to 9 pm. The funeral service will be held at McAdams at 2 pm on August 21, 2014. A celebration of Eugene’s life will also be held on September 11 (2 to 4pm) at their home on Grand Manan. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Cancer Society or the Grand Manan Animal Welfare League. www.mcadamsfh.com