Northside East Bay
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, papa and husband, Fredrick Joseph Gillis. Dad passed away on February 21, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 65.
Born in Sydney on June 12, 1954, he was a son of the late Mary “Tootsie” (MacLellan) and Fredrick Gillis.
Like his father and grandfather, dad was an avid farmer and hunter. There were few things he enjoyed more than moose and deer hunting and raising animals. Dad was loved and respected by many because of his kind and generous heart. He was always willing to help anyone in need. When his mother got sick, he cared for her for many years. He was a very strong and selfless man.
Dad will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife, Anita; his children, JJ, Angie (Sonja), Megan and Christina (Scotty); 13 grandchildren, Janda, Jonathan, Jaylynn, Jagger, Wilson, Ella, Eeva, Reagan, Ronna, Christian, Allison, Vinson, and Vayda; siblings, Mike (Arlene), Karen (Reggie), Heather (Derek), Linda (Donnie); and, many nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia and best friend Jimmy.
His family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and the many volunteers at the Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, who helped dad feel comfortable in his final days. We would also like to thank his brother, Mike and nephew, Mikey for caring for his animals.
Visitation will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25 at the Northside East Bay Firehall and continue until the day of the service. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay, Fr. Paul Murphy will officiate.
Words of comfort may be made to his family by visiting www.twcurry.com