Joseph Gillis
Born In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: August 17th, 2011
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of a dear brother and uncle, Joe Vincent Gillis, age 72, a resident of Toronto, on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
Joe Vincent was born in North Sydney and was the youngest son of the late John Peter and Catherine Sarah (MacKenzie) Gillis. He served 16 years with the Canadian Air Force before leaving this to pursue his passion of harness racing. He made his home in Toronto, but spent the winter months working in the Meadowlands, New Jersey. His proudest moment came when he was part of the team of The Little Brown Jug winner, Merger in 1982. Joe Vincent made several trips home to visit with family and friends and to place the occasional bet at the local racetracks. He will always be remembered for his quiet, friendly way and sharp wit.
Joe Vincent is survived by his sister, Margaret ‘Tweet’ Monroe and her family and by several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by brothers, Gussie, A.J., Archie and Howard and by sisters, Flora Wilmot, Theresa Hiscock, Vonnie Flemming and Josie Burke.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass for Joe Vincent will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
