John \'Shorty\' Gillis
Born In: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: April 28th, 2009
It is with deep sadness that the family of John Norman ‘Shorty’ Gillis announce his passing on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, in his 85th year.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late John D. and Mary ‘Minnie’ (MacNeil) Gillis.
He was a life long member of St. Joseph’s parish, Sydney.
John had various careers throughout his life, including T.C.A. Sydney; the Dominion Coal Company as a draftsman for 25 years before embarking on a teaching career both at the A.V.T.C., Point Edward and then retiring in 1989 from the Cape Breton Regional Vocational School, Prince Street, for a total of 22 years. Shorty enjoyed his summers in Ironville and Beaver Cove and gatherings with family and friends. He was involved in the Boy Scout Movement and St. Joseph Men’s Club for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anna Theresa (Gallivan) and their children, Michael (Ann Frances), Sydney River, Elizabeth (Geoff) Hodge, Dartmouth and Ronald (Bernadette), Mississauga, Ont. Grandpa was dearly loved by his grandchildren, Shaun and Ryan Gillis; Greg (Karla) and Glen Hodge and Chelsea Gillis. He is also survived by sisters, Effie O’Brien, Sydney, Dorothy MacKenzie, Halifax and Joan Marsh, Kitchener, Ont. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, John (Andrea) Gallivan, Nictaux, N.S. and Tom (Michele) Gallivan, B.C.; sisters-in-law, Jane (John) Coady, Sydney River and Georgetta ‘Dodo’ Gillis, Sydney and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Johnny was predeceased by an infant son, Thomas Joseph; two brothers, Hugh and Lauchie ‘LaLa’ and an infant sister.
Visitation for Mr. Gillis will be at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. A funeral mass will celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church with Rev. Gerald Dunphy officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Memorial donations may be made to the V.O.N., Cape Breton Branch or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mem.com or twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
