Andrew C. Gillis
1947-2019
Gillis, Andrew Cornelius – Pinevale
So many plans and not enough time…
It is with unimaginable sorrow that we announce the passing
of Andy on August 27th, 2019 in his
72nd year in St. Martha’s Regional
Hospital, Antigonish, after 8 months in hospital battling
cancer.
No matter how many procedures or needles or medications there
was no self-pity, no complaints only a determination to keep going. A
kinder, friendlier, more compassionate heart could not be found, as
was evidenced by the hundreds of visitors that came to his room. We
thank you. Don’t be fooled into thinking he was a pushover.
He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in and could set
you straight when necessary. He was in his element telling stories of
his days working as a millwright at Stelco Steel in Hamilton, Ontario,
befriending many and mastering some of the language and culinary
skills of many cultures and ethnicities. He was always a champion for
the underdog, a trait that bode well for him and one that he
demonstrated so often at Union Local 1005. His interests were as
varied as his imagination and nothing was ever done half-heartedly:
politics, hockey, martial arts, travelling, hunting, fishing, car
racing, cooking (especially lobster), gardening and so much more.
After returning to Nova Scotia with his family and travelling the
Atlantic Provinces for his work, he retired to his home overlooking
Gillis Lake, Pinevale, and took advantage of his time to brush up on
the local folklore and genealogy with his father and sampling goodies
and doing crosswords with his mother. His home was always open and
welcoming to family, friends, and visitors from near and afar. He was
a proud Dad and Papa of his children and grandchildren for their
accomplishments academically, professionally, and
physically.
Those of us left to fill a huge void are: his spouse, Joy
Bray; his daughter, Janet’s family: son-in-law, Justin Cunha
and granddaughters, Kaidyn and Emmerson; his son, Andrew
(Michelle) Gillis and their children, Andrew and Aaron; daughter, Amy
(Mike) Pimentel and their son, Jacob; daughter, Theresa (Jay) Shawana
and their children, Tavin, Abilene, Dakota and Harper; daughter, Lacey
(Ben) Hall and their children, Jack and Franklin; his sister, Barbara
(Alex) Hodgson; brother, Jody (Sharon) Gillis, sister, Brenda (Cecil)
Angevine; sister, Betty Gillis; many nieces, nephews, great nieces,
and nephews, one great-great niece and three great-great nephews, the
Bray family and last but certainly not least his furry best friend
“Mr. Tom”, his cat.
Andy was predeceased by his parents, Andy and Frances
(McKinnon) Gillis; his daughter, Janet Cunha; and his brother, Donald
(in infancy).
The family would like to thank the staff at St.
Martha’s Regional Hospital and Sydney General Hospital for
their compassionate care.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Thursday
in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish, N.S. from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm.
At Andy’s request, there will be no funeral, but please join
the family for a gathering to honour his life at St.
Andrew’s Community Centre on Friday, August 30, 2019,
between 2:00 pm – 5:00pm. Family flowers only
please. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be
made to the SPCA.
So many plans and not enough time…
1947-2019
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Andrew C Gillis..
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia