Obituary of Joseph Gillis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, companion and friend, Joseph Harvey Gillis, age 77. Joe passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Monday, June 20, 2016, in the Palliative Care Unit, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Francis X. and Mary (Petrie) Gillis. Dad was a member of the former St. Anthony’s Parish and more recently St. Anne’s, both in Glace Bay. Joe worked at the Heavy Water Plant, the town of Glace Bay and was a very active member of Branch 3 Legion, Glace Bay. He loved lobster fishing and just sitting out spending time with the pride of his life; his family and friends. Joe will be forever remembered by his family and friends as a very gentle man. Dad will be forever missed by his loving children, son Joey (Lynn), Calgary; daughters Marlene (Keith) Pinkerton, Greenwood; Hilda (Leonard) Strong, Glace Bay; and his "Baby Girl", Tracey (Duane) Gillis-May, Winnipeg. A wonderful Papa, he will be sadly missed by his cherished grandchildren Kristina, Tyler, Danielle, Kelly, Trevor, Cody, Kaitlyn; great grandchildren Samantha, Mia, Addison, Thomas, Avery, Lia and Morgan, Joe is also survived by a brother Steven; companion Karen Nolan; two special friends Chickie Slade, Ronnie MacDougall; the mother of his four children, Jean Gillis; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by brothers Gilbert and Charlie and a sister Genevieve and granddaughter Jessica Strong, both in infancy. Visitation will be held Friday, June 24th, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral mass officiated by Fr. Leo Boone will be celebrated 10 am Saturday, June 25th, in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay. All are invited to join with Joe’s family for a celebration of his life on Saturday evening at 6 pm, in the common-room, at the Paradise Complex, 86 Nolan’s Lane, Glace Bay. Family flowers only. Memorial donations in Dad's memory may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. Members of the legion are asked to meet at the church early Saturday morning to form an honour guard for their fallen member. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. "We will all miss you, Dad" Forever in our Hearts. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest God's garden must be beautiful For he only takes the best.