Gerald Christopher Gillis
1928-2019
Gillis, Gerald Christopher – Age
90 years of Aberdeen, Cape Breton, passed away peacefully on Friday,
May 24th, 2019 in Alderwood Rest Home, Baddeck. Born on
November 2, 1928 in Ashfield, Cape Breton he was a son of the late
Donald and Christy (Ferguson) Gillis.
From an early age hard work was important in his everyday
life; helping on the family farm, alongside his father learning the
blacksmith trade, working in the logging industry and driving a truck
for highway projects. At the age of 20 he ventured to Toronto on the
train from Orangedale and completed a Certificate in welding which led
him to a career with Little Narrows Gypsum. During his 37 years there
he taught First Aid, took the lead on their Safety Programs, and
worked his way up to the position of Quarry General Foreman at the
time of his retirement. The company achieved the Top Award for Safety
many times while he was there of which he was very proud. Following
retirement he enjoyed doing landscaping with his dozer, working in his
garage painting cars, helping family with various projects and being
an active community volunteer.
Gerald was a long standing member and elder of Little Narrows
Presbyterian Church holding the Clerk of Session position for over 25
years. He and his wife Jessie were very committed to their church
family and worked together on several committees and fundraising
events for many years. Gerald was a member of the Causeway Shriners
and Sircom Lodge 66 for over 50 years. He was a recipient of the
Masonic Order of Meritorious Service given for outstanding service,
dedication and achievement. He was also a member of Celtic Star
Chapter #19 OES (formerly Dr. Gordon MacLeod Chapter#37) with whom he
received his 50 year jewel. Gerald was a humble man of great
integrity, purpose and faith, finding great comfort in prayer even in
his last hours. He loved people and always wanted them to feel
important in his presence, often being amazed that people took time
out of their lives to check on him, visit and call. Life to him
mattered deeply and despite his failing health in recent years, he
continued to approach it with optimism. Celebrating his
90th birthday last fall was a treasured
milestone for him, only achieved due to his spirit. He was forever
thankful for the many blessings of love and care he received from his
family, friends, neighbours, community at large and care providers,
never taking his gift of life for granted. Gerald celebrated 55 years
of marriage with his wife, Jessie before her passing in 2010. They
were an example of genuine partnership and commitment to their family
who recognized how incredibly blessed they were to have had them as
parents and grandparents.
He is survived by children, Brian (Louise), New Glasgow;
Kerry (Sandra), Fletchers Lake; Geraldine (Gary) MacKenzie, Aberdeen;
Sally (William) Mac Lean, Fall River; grandchildren, Natalie (Tyler)
Ross, Ashley (James) Rathbun, Erin (Brent Turnbull) Gillis, Jennifer
(Bryan) Hickman, Justin Gillis, Steven Gillis, Christy MacKenzie ,
Garrett MacKenzie, Erica (Luca Muratori) MacLean, Colin MacLean;
sister, Eleanor MacDonald, several nieces and nephews,
brother-in-law, Norman (Kay) Beeson, sisters-in-law, Anna Gillis and
Bernice Beeson. Besides his parents and wife, Gerald was
predeceased by his son, Robert in infancy; brother, Neil; in-laws,
Arthur and Sadie Beeson; brothers-in-law, Duncan MacLeod, John
MacDonald, Dan Hughie Beeson, Peter Beeson, Murdoch Gillis;
sister-in-law, Sadie Beeson; niece, Cheryl Gillis and nephew, Robbie
MacLeod.
Visitation will be held 2-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 in Dennis
Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh where an Eastern Star Service
will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held 11a.m.
Wednesday, May 29 in Little Narrows Presbyterian Church with Rev.
Peter MacDonald and Rev Lydia MacKinnon officiating. Burial in Gillis
Cove Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be
made to Little Narrows Presbyterian Church or Gillis Cove
Cemetery.
A special thank you to the staff at Alderwood Rest Home and
Dr. Genge for their incredible care and support. Words of comfort may
be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald Christopher Gillis 19282019..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Whycocomagh, Province: Nova Scotia