Dr. Robert "Bob" Jones Gillis

His son Bob Junior described him well:

“Family. Kindness. Respect. Honesty. Lessons learned and taught. A rock to cling to. Loving husband. Devoted father.”

Robert Jones Gillis was born January 7th, 1931 in Campbellton, NB.

His parents were William James Gillis from Miramichi, NB and Mary Ann Haley from Matapedia, Quebec.

His brothers and sisters, Bill, Bessie, Joan and John predeceased him. His brother Ralph resides in Moncton.

He went to Campbellton High School, then completed a science degree at St FX, and followed with a DDS at Dalhousie University in 1959.

In 1957, he married Marion Janice Le Grand from Port Daniel PQ. They had four children, daughter Leslie, and sons Bob Jr, Chris and Ross.

Bob then joined the Canadian Air Forces as a captain and dentist in Gimli Manitoba for the next 5 years.

He, Janice and family returned to Campbellton in 1964 and Bob ran his dental practice above McRae’s Store for over 35 years.

Bob was active in the community and was a member of the Campbellton Rotary Club for 37 years. He served as President of the Rotary Club during the building of the Campbellton Nursing Home.

He was also a Paul Harris Fellow, as was his wife, Janice.

He became the longest serving and last of the original board members at the Village Nursing Home where he spent the final months of his life.

He was an excellent provider to his family, his parents, and friends of those generations.

He instilled many lessons in his children with his actions, most notably:

Be kind to all.

Be loyal to friends and family.

Be passionate at what you choose to do.

Be morally responsible for your actions.

Bob had friends from all walks of life with diverse interests. He was also a member of the “united nations”. Many of his best friends had diverse backgrounds, coming from various countries: Spain, China, Lebanon, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Canada, and even Flatlands, to name a few. They gathered weekly, and knew it was important to have fun and to support each other. Their friendships were strong and loyal. These people created a path for their children to succeed (French schooling, university, etc.). There was and remains a strong bond among them.

Bob was also a passionate student of all his interests and there were many. Among his favorites were birding, gardening, hiking, fly fishing and boating on the Restigouche River as well as being an active member of the local Naturalist Club.

As Bob’s family tree expanded, he truly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Kaleigh, Tristan and Kaitlyn Gillis, Chelsea Lozier, Kristin (and partner Fausto Rodriguez) and Michael Stanford and his great-grandchildren Ethan, Gavin and Rowan Lozier.

Bob’s family thanks Dr Yacoub, Charlotte, Mary and the Village Nursing Home for making his final years and months as comfortable as possible.

Another quote by son Bob Junior aptly describes his father’s character:

“He embodied his beliefs. There was never any doubt as to where he stood. He fostered accountability, love, kindness and duty. He challenged us all to be better, to reach higher.”

Sadly, he passed on October 3rd, 2020. His family sincerely hopes that he has finally been reunited with his beloved wife, Janice, who predeceased him in 1999.

* * * * * * * * * *

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Dr. Robert (Bob) Jones Gillis who was a life-long resident of Campbellton, N.B.

He passed away peacefully of natural causes with family at his side on Saturday, October 3rd at the age of 89.

He was predeceased by his beautiful wife Janice (LeGrand) and leaves to mourn; his children Leslie and her husband Fred Stanford, Bob and his wife Rhonda, Chris and Ross. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren Kaleigh, Tristan and Kaitlyn Gillis, Chelsea Lozier, Kristin (and partner Fausto) and Michael Stanford and his great-grandchildren Ethan, Gavin and Rowan Lozier.

Bob grew up in Campbellton and loved the area so much that after completing his dental degree he came back to the area to run his practice and raise his family. He was a kind and generous man who was immensely loyal to his family and his many life-long friends. He also believed in giving back to and volunteering in the community. As such he was an active member of the local Rotary Club for over 30 years during which time he served as President during the building of the Campbellton Nursing Home and was also awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. Bob loved the natural beauty of the surrounding area and was an enthusiastic member of the local Naturalist Club. He loved birding, hiking, gardening, fly fishing and boating on the Restigouche River, especially when he was accompanied by friends and family.

Funeral service will be held at Maher's Funeral Chapel, 64 Lansdowne St, Campbellton, Friday October 8th at 2:00 pm. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing protocols, the service will be by invitation only.

Visitations will be held at the Chapel on Friday from 1:00 pm until time of funeral.

The family respectfully requests that guests wear masks during the visitation and service.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the Canadian or NB Diabetes Association.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted in the care of Maher's Funeral Home, Campbellton.

(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]