We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Richard “Richie” Angus Gillis, 74, of Gillisdale, South West Margaree. Richard peacefully passed away in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 8, 2018.
Richie is survived by his loving wife, Donelda of 51 years; daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Brian Cameron), and his sons, Shawn (Melanie), Nelson (Crystal), and Allan (Lee Ann); grandchildren, Chelsea, Shane (Jenna), Zachary, Cassie, Hannah, Bryce, Linda (Lee), and Hillary (Justin); great-grandchildren, Quinn, Annika, Liam, Isabella and very special angel, Callum James waiting for him to play in heaven and sing songs.
Richie was born July, 31, 1943, in South West Margaree as the first of 9 children to Duncan and Elizabeth Agnes “Aggie” Gillis, siblings, Jessie (William MacDougall, deceased), Anne Marie (James MacAdam), John (Thelma), Peggy (George Hurley), Michael (Mary), Veronica, Rita (Johnny MacLellan, deceased) and pre-deceased by his brother, Anthony (Muriel). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Richie was a well-known and much- liked member of Union Local 682 (plumbers, pipefitters and welders), everyone working construction knew Richie, not to mention his great feats of strength; as well, a hard- working farmer, fisherman and logger. A lifelong member of St Joseph Parish in South West Margaree, Richie was a man of great trust in his faith and love of God. To him, his family was his greatest accomplishment and pride. He worked hard all his life to provide for them and love them. Richie loved to travel and visit his family with many trips to British Columbia, Northern Ontario, Connecticut, Boston, New Mexico, Colorado and New Hampshire. He possessed high standards for work ethic, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. All will sorely miss his love for his community and constant helping of friends and neighbours. The one thing he loved more than his cows was to make others smile, especially young children who always felt a special connection with him. Many other things brought joy to Richie such as laughing, poking fun and being the center of attention.
Visitation will take place in Inverness Funeral home Thursday, July 12th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Friday in Saint Joseph’s Church, South West Margaree at 11 a.m. with Father MacDonald Ibeh officiating. Burial to follow in MacDougall Cemetery. With respect to the families wishes they ask for no flowers and for the visitation and funeral mass to remain scent free. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
We will always remember you Da, that special smile, the caring and warm embrace, you always gave us. We will always remember your love for Mom and how you were always by her side. We will always remember you Da because you were one of a kind, our father and friend. You’ll always be in our hearts.
