John Anthony Gillis
Born In: Jamesville West, Nova Scotia
Passed in: Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Passed on: May 2nd, 2018
John passed away May 2, 2018 at the Alderwood Rest Home, Baddeck, NS.
Born in Jamesville West, Cape Breton he was the first of his 15 siblings to be born in the family home in Jamesville, the son of the late Roderick and Katie (MacNeil, Big Beach) Gillis, where Gaelic was his first language, and where the family farm cultivated his ability to fix and figure anything. Just like today, tenuous employment on Cape Breton led him to leave his cherished island for the mainland where he ultimately settled with his Lou (Louise MacNeil, Barra Glen) and where they raised their nine children, David (Antigonish), Frank (Mary, Antigonish), Ian (Trudy, Didsbury), Tom (Vicki, Black Diamond), Peter (Carstairs), Edward (Helen, Antigonish), Jocelyn (Antigonish), Mary Lou (Edmonton), Anne (Antigonish).
He was a mechanic by trade, a gardener by necessity, a dedicated member of Grandona Legion Branch 124, an avid hockey fan, he enjoyed traditional Scottish music and dance and dry Scottish wit. Ever true to his roots, John moved back to Jamesville upon retirement, there, he and Joan enjoyed 31 years together welcoming and entertaining their ever-growing extended families.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Louise; twins who died in infancy; his sisters, Lucy, Jennie, Aggie, Margaret, May, Theresa; his bothers, Neil, Hector and Jimmie, John Hughie, Charlie Francis, Michael and John Hugh.
He is survived by his second wife, Joan (MacDonald/Mackenzie); her five children, Steve, Ann, Helen, Sarah, Quentin; sisters, Annie (Massachuetts), Faye (Ontario), twenty-four grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren (and counting); and numerous nieces and nephews whom he held very dear.
Cremation has taken place, under the care and direction of MacAskill Funeral Home Baddeck, NS with visitation at the Iona Parish Hall on Friday, May 4 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The funeral will be held at St. Columba Church Iona on Saturday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev.Donald MacGillivary officiating. Burial at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Association of Mental Health (https://cmhasandbox.microsoftcrmportals.com/new-donation/) or a charity of your choice.
