Allison’s Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected but peaceful passing of our father, Allison “Al” Goodwin Gillis age 77, on February 18, 2022. Allison, the youngest son of Mark and Jean Gillis, Pugwash, Nova Scotia, is survived by his beloved daughters Kerry Turner (Peter Turner) of Halifax and Leigh Gillis (Paton Francis) of Bedford, his adored grandchildren Jenna, Allie and Brennan Turner, and Ewan Francis, his siblings Evans Gillis (Carole) of Pugwash, Carol Spicer of Dartmouth, Botsford Gillis (Lorna) of Berwick. Especially dear to him were his many nieces and nephews and their spouses, who will always love him as their big Uncle Al: Vicki, Sue, Jennifer, Lisa, Chris, Peter, Andrew-Ben, Pam, Mark, and Jean. He cared for all of you dearly. Allison was preceded in death by his loving wife Anne, his nephew Lee Gillis, and his parents.
Allison grew up loving sports. He was an enthusiastic athlete playing baseball and basketball as a teen, badminton, golf, and curling as an adult. Watching his team, the Blue Jays brought him equal parts joy and frustration. His love for harness racing was instilled early by his father and brother Evans. The racetrack was the center of many childhood summer excursions. Just the smell of a horse barn brings joyful memories of watching our grandfather’s horses at the Gold Cup and Saucer. Music was always in our father’s life, and he loved to dance. A long-standing member of the United Church choir, his strong bass filled the room, even to the week of his passing. He was always singing a tune and most recently had purchased a new guitar to enjoy that hobby during retirement.
Our father and late stepmother Anne welcomed their home to anyone who knocked on the door and they had many fun times with friends, parties in their basement, crib and bridge games in the gazebo, nights at the curling club, long drives, trips across Canada and cruises in the Caribbean. We know they were well loved in the Pugwash community.
Many may not know that Allison was a graduate of Acadia University (BA) and Mount Allison University (BEd) (much to the surprise of the French Department, given he failed Intro French with every professor he tried). Luckily though he would go on to Chester to teach high school History (thankfully, not French) for several years before finding his way to the Interprovincial School for the Deaf in Amherst (APSEA-Amherst). There he happily drove his first car, a VW beetle (a practical choice for a 6’5” man) and learned American Sign Language. He taught senior students for many years at the School for the Deaf before leaving to work in the family business, Gillis’ Family Clothing and Footwear. Dad was wonderfully community minded and devoted countless hours to overseeing the crafting of our July 1st floats much to the delight of the whole Gillis clan. For a time, he worked with The Sunset Community, eventually returning to APSEA, to bring CO-OP opportunities to children who were Deaf or hard of hearing until his retirement in the late 1990’s.
He demonstrated passion for his community through volunteerism and later government work in his retirement. No doubt his interest in community service was influenced by his early connection with the original Pugwash Conference in 1957 when at 13, his parents, Mark and Jean Gillis hosted some of the first delegates in their home. Dad was a valued volunteer for many years in the community of Pugwash with the Gathering of the Clans Festival, Pugwash Harbourfest, the Village Council, the Curling Club, and the Sunset Board. In 2008 he was elected to municipal government and proudly served 12 years, first as a counselor and then four years as the last Warden of Cumberland County, retiring in 2020. He was devoted to the prosperity of his region and led several infrastructure projects, leaving a lasting legacy across the county. Yet, if you were to congratulate him on these, he would humbly deflect accolades, diverting them to the many amazing people he worked with, especially the staff at the Amherst office all of whom he held in very high regard.
Love, respect, and generosity were central features of our father’s life. As a Justice of the Peace, he officiated at many weddings across Nova Scotia, including both his daughters. To his youngest grandchildren, Jenna, and Ewan, “Papa Al” was larger than life. His love for them overflowed and he delighted in their happiness, offering unlimited truck drives and as many ice cream cones as they could eat. Allison was a proper sort of man, but not stuffy. He was thoughtful, a softy really, who cherished family gatherings and any moment that brought people together even with our mom Joyce Kennedy, his ex-wife, with whom he retained a good friendship. Mornings spent with his coffee and crib crew, and Sunday evening pool, were high priorities in his schedule. His friends were incredibly important to him. Sandra Rushton, his companion of recent months, had a special spot in his heart, making him happy and filling his life with new love.
This piece of writing is the most difficult we have ever penned. Even in our sadness, we are grateful for a lifetime of memories that keep his spirit ever present and his smile easily remembered. Our father was an important man not just to us but to many others. He lived a life that was full of little, everyday kindnesses, and we know his passing will create a void in the Village of Pugwash he held so dear. Truly there are many things that can be said about our dad who had a quiet strength, purpose of service and a great love for family and the people of this community. If you want to share a story about him, please do. Our father loved a good story and really in the end, this is what we become; beloved souls with storied lives that are passed on to others and shared with laughter – hopefully on a hot summer day, with cold beer and a big feed of lobsters. We know he is smiling upon us all, thinking “well now, wasn’t that a party”.
Arrangements for Allison’s service have been entrusted to Mundle’s Funeral Home, 204 Water St., Pugwash, NS, (902) 243-2506. Due to COVID protocols, a private event by invitation only, will be held with family and close friends in the coming days. A celebration of life open to the community and all who wish to attend will occur in the Village when warmer weather permits. A video of the funeral will be available here after the service. In lieu of flowers and in honor of a man who served his community and adored his family, we encourage you to donate locally to the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Allison Goodwin Gillis March 27 1944 February 18 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Pugwash, Province: Nova Scotia
My deepest sympathies to Al’s family and friends. I was one of the master’s students at the school for deaf in Amherst in the late 80’s I did a practicum with Al one semester. I will always remember his east smile and very warm hearted personality He was a very kind person who was easy to talk to. What a wonderful tribute his obituary is and I can feel the love with which it was written by his family. Rest in eternal peace, Al.