Bernie was born in Sydney, NS, on Aug. 20, 1938, to Marguerite Elizabeth Clarke and James Duncan Gillis. He liked telling stories, especially those that he “embellished” with interesting details. He was an avid gardener (famous for his flower photos), and enjoyed reading and watching TV “on his perch," as he put it. He began his career in the hospitality industry at age 16, at the London Grill in Sydney, and retired at the age of 72, teaching in the Hospitality & Tourism program, at Cape Breton University. In between, he managed the dining rooms of the Keltic Lodge, the Digby Pines Resort, the Chateau Laurier and many other establishments -- and many of our family dinners.
He died on Oct. 1, 2026. Bernie and his signature fudge and homemade jam will be dearly missed. He leaves behind siblings Kathleen (John), Mary (Tim, deceased), Theresa (Allan), Jane, Jim and Anne, and deceased siblings Joe and Florence -- and leaves behind children Laurie, Diane and Alex, and grandchildren Anton and Camilla (Abde).
Visitation will start at 11:30 am at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney on Friday, November 6th. A funeral service will be held at 1pm in the chapel, followed by a reception. Inurnment to take place in Resurrection Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to this registered charity in Sydney: Loaves and Fishes (https://loavesandfishescb.com/donate).
