Bernard Simon Gillis

Bernard (Bernie Rose) Gillis86 – Sydney/Victoria BridgeBernard Gillis of Sydney passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.Born October 4, 1923 at Victoria Bridge, Grand Mira, Bernard was the son of Stephen and Rose (Gillis) Gillis. Bernard was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was married to the late Anne (MacPhee) Gillis.Bernard was a veteran of WW II. He retired from the electrical department of Sydney Steel in 1986.Bernard leaves to mourn his children Rose (Ian) McDonald, Sydney Forks, Vincent (Deborah) Gillis, Jane Gillis, Norma (Alan) MacNeil, Sydney, Leanne Gillis (Scott Christie), Halifax, and Stephen Gillis, Alberta.He will be sadly missed by granddaughters Kate, Jan, Helen, Terri and Faye McDonald; Diana, Ashlynn and Sarah Gillis; Alexis MacNeil; and Claire and Anne Christie.Bernard is survived by in-laws Mary (the late Mickey) Gillis, Prime Brook, Malcie (the late Mary) MacPhee, PA, Mary (the late Bernard) Gillis, Grand Mira, Rev. Norman MacPhee and Dannie (Liz) MacPhee, Sydney, Archie (Anna) and John (Carole) MacPhee, French Road, Al (Mary) MacPhee, Sadie (Dennis) Kerr, Dartmouth, Steve (Judy) MacPhee, Ottawa, Theresa (Murray) MacKinnon, Halifax, as well as many nieces and nephews.Besides his parents and wife Anne, Bernard was predeceased by siblings, Duncan, Mickey, Lawrence, James, Isabel, and Stephen Gillis.Visitation for Bernard will be held on Tuesday, January 5 from 7-9 pm and Wednesday, January 6 from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm at TW Curry Parkview Chapel in Sydney. Funeral mass will be held Thursday, January 7, 10:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church, with Fr. Norman MacPhee and Fr. James Oliver officiating. Immediately following the funeral Bernard will be buried next to Anne in St. Margaret’s Cemetery, Grand Mira a place very dear to his heart. A reception will follow at the community hall.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Margaret’s Cemetery Fund, Grand Mira, the Cape Breton Cancer Centre or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family via email twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca or www.mem.com