Joseph John Gillis

Joe was born in Prince Rupert in 1938. He then moved to Vancouver where he spent most of his teenage years. He often talked about his summers in Victoria as a young boy at his Auntie Jessie and Uncle Frank’s farm. We look back on the picture memories of him, and indeed feel the enjoyment he must have experienced. He attended John Oliver Secondary School. After leaving school he joined the Air Force and was based at CFB Clinton. After several years out East he finally settled in Vancouver. Joe was a single father of 3 young girls [4, 3 and 18 months] at the beginning of 1966 and was living in Vancouver. Working for Marconi Canada and raising his daughters he was a loving father and lived in many Coastal Communities throughout his life. Joe was a Marine Electrician and a master at his craft.

In his later years took he pleasure in traveling to Northern BC, Washington State, across Canada, various USA destinations and Honduras. He also enjoyed many trips on the ocean.

Even later, when in Vancouver, while not able to leave the city too often, held court at the centre suite on Welwyn St where many visitors were treated to good food, conversation and even the odd game of scrabble.

Joe was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend he opened his home to many. His kindness had no boundaries. The unconditional love for his family and friends the greatest gift.

Joe is survived by daughters Audrey, Heather, Charlene and son in-law Dennis. Grandchildren Joe, Frank, Kristin [Stephano], Michael, Leanne and Andrew. Great Grandchildren Sage, Blair, Tanner and Tyler. Nephews James [Coreen] and Stephen. Sisters in-law Joy and Eleanor. Aunt Marie, Uncle George and Aunt Pearl. Numerous cousins Mike, Lynn, Trudy, Fran, Vicky, Rita, Chris, Rob and George]. Close friends Erika, Cathy, Terry, Margaret, Percy and Adrian, Ad, Larry, Patsy, Carole and Roy, Niall, Christie, Dianne and so many others.

Predeceased by his mother Audrey, step-father Doran, father Alfred, Brother Ed, Sister Marie [Ivor], Uncle Joe, Aunt Jessie [John], Uncle Angus, Aunt Florence, Uncle Frank, close friends Bryce, Brian, Dixie, Paul and Earl.

The Joseph John Gillis Memorial Bursary [lifetime Endowment fund] has been established at North Island College Foundation to honour the life of our father. This Bursary will be awarded each year to a single parent or child of a single parent. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the lifetime Endowment fund or the Comox Valley Kitty Cat Pals.

Special thank you to Dr. Asmaa Abdulkader who cared for and never gave up on our Pa. A tremendous appreciation to all the staff on Floor 3A at Courtenay North Island Hospital especially Joel, Chloe, Leah, Rita, Cyd, Jody, Ryan, Theresa, Glenn and Misty.

A Celebration of Life will be will be held May 11, 2019 at 3112 Kensington Crescent, Courtenay, BC at 2PM

Remembering you is easy; we do it every day. Missing you is the heartache that will never go away. Rest in peace, Pa.