Allan Samuel Gillis passed peacefully with his family by his side at Inverary Manor,
Inverness, on October 7, 2022. His life journey was shared for over 50 years by his
loving wife, Catherine May. They married on June 13,1970, making their home in Skye
Glen until they moved to Inverary Manor in 2018 and 2019.
Born in Inverness on September 7, 1937 to Alexander (Alex) and Zena (Campbell)
Gillis, Allan grew up on the family farm in Skye Glen. He had a lifelong love of learning
and could often be found reading, when he wasn’t working in the gardens. He was a
member of Tyros, Young People’s, and Garden Club (precursor to 4H). His early
education was at Skye Glen School within sight of the family home, later at
Whycocomagh, and then St. Joseph’s Convent School in Mabou where he completed
grade eleven and later obtained the equivalent of grade twelve through General
Educational Development (GED). Allan completed courses in drafting, TV and radio
repair, and agriculture via correspondence from DeVry Institute of Technology.
Allan began work as a surveyor for the Department of Highways across Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick. Later, he was employed as a draftsman in the Instrumentation
Department at Nova Scotia Forest Industries/Stora at Point Tupper, 1965-1998, a
member of Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. Allan also ran a TV
repair and sales business from home (1970s-1990s). In 1977, Allan and Catherine May
took over ownership of Skye Glen Grocery, the 3rd generation to operate the family’s
general store, until 1996. In his retirement, Allan worked for Lewis Engineering Inc.
Allan always put others first and rarely had complaints. He spent his life encouraging his
children and teaching skills that always come in handy. Allan was quiet, but knew the
value of volunteering and building community, always eager to lend a helping hand.
Allan and Catherine May also enjoyed many adventures with their grandchildren,
Mikaela and Nathan.
He was a devoted member of Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh, and a past
member of MacLean United Church. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with the AOTS club
and the Whycocomagh District Historical Society.
Allan is survived and deeply missed by his grateful daughters Angela (Wayne) Gillis,
Halifax, Stephanie (Michael) Sievers, Montreal, Gail Gillis, Halifax, and Patricia Gillis,
Halifax; grandchildren Mikaela and Nathan Sievers, Montreal. He is also survived by his
siblings Bill (Diane) Gillis, Halifax, Louise Gillis and Pauline Gillis, Sydney; sister-in-law
Gloria (Duncan) MacFadyen, Aberdeen; several nephews and nieces; many close
cousins and friends. He was predeceased in 2020 by his wife, Catherine May (Dennis),
and his parents, Alex and Zena Gillis.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Susie Egar for her expertise and
compassion over the years. We would also like to thank all the folks at Inverary Manor
who made it feel like home, for their dedication and ongoing support. Many became so
special to Dad and Mom, like part of the family. Thanks again to Arlene, Brittany,
Deborah, and Donna for providing the care we all needed before Mom and Dad moved
to Inverness.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022 from 2:00-8:00 pm at Dennis Haverstock Funeral
Chapel, Whycocomagh. Funeral service will be held at Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh,
at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, with Margie MacIntyre, LLWL, officiating. Burial to follow
in Skye Glen Cemetery following the service. All are welcome. Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be made to Skye Glen Cemetery, Stewart United Church, or a charity of choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to
the family at www.haverstocks.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Allan
Samuel
Gillis 1937 2022..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Whycocomagh, Province: Nova Scotia