John "Jack" William Gillis

John “Jack” W. Gillis

Balls Creek

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our father, brother, grandfather “Poppy”, great-grandfather, uncle and great friend to a select few, John “Jack” William Gillis, age 82, on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Northside General Hospital.

Born on February 10, 1938 in Georges River, where he often said he was the happiest as a child, Jack was the son of the late Richard and Jessie (Hawkins) Gillis.  Dad had a great long life.  He worked hard as a carpenter most of his life but had some sea adventures before that, sometimes for employment and some for pleasure, which he re-lived many times in conversation.  Dad saw value in everything old and loved taking two or three broken things to make one “good one”.  He loved tinkering in his garage where he would get so involved he would lose track of time.  It was in his garage that he was happiest.

Left to mourn are his three children, John (Dot) Gillis, Cochrane, AB, Kevin (Anita) Gillis, Leitches Creek, Cathy (Andrew) Fraser, Balls Creek, his grandchildren Jessica, Matthew, Lindsay and Johnny; great-grandchildren Madison and Keira.  Also surviving are his siblings, sister Lorraine (Earl) Haystead, Stoney Creek, ON, brothers Warren (Linda) Gillis, Millville, Sheldon (Cecilia) Gillis, Port Hope, ON, David (Tammy) Gillis, Stoney Creek, Lloyd (Diane) Gillis, North Sydney,sister-in-law Gladys Gillis, Georges River, many loving nieces and nephews who have special individual memories with Dad.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 57 years, Louise Olive Gillis, his brothers Len, Richard “Dick”, and a brother in infancy.

Those who knew our Dad well, knew he loved to drift around and there isn’t a road in Cape Breton he hasn’t explored.  He had many acquaintances in old farmhouses “up the country” as he would say.  He definitely was missing that in his last years. 

A very heartfelt thank you to friends and family for their love and support, especially Dad’s very good garage buddies. 

Many thanks to all of the beautiful nurses and support staff on 4 East at the Northside General Hospital.  Their care and concern during this difficult time is very much appreciated.  They treated Dad like family.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation by Dad’s request.  A private graveside service will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney at a later date.  Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.    

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