Lloyd Allan Gillis

It is with profound sadness that the family of Lloyd Allan Gillis, 79, announce the passing of our remarkable father, husband and friend on Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.

Lloyd will be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years, Judith (Ferguson); sons, Todd (Roberta) and Timmy (Donna); grandchildren, Ryan, Davide, Olivia, Nicholas, Gemma and step-grandchildren, Ethan, Zachary (Maria) and Owen; his niece, Evelyn MacKay (Brian); and close family friends, Sandy and Deanna MacLean.

Lloyd was predeceased by his father, John and mother, Christine (MacDonald) Gillis; brothers, John Neil and Alexander; sisters, Mary (Burke), Evelyn (Hutchison) and Betty (Judson).

Born on April 27, 1943, Lloyd was a proud, life-long resident of Inverness. An avid learner, Lloyd obtained his Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters in Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. He was a principal and biology teacher at Inverness Consolidated High School and finished his 32-year career at Inverness Education Centre/Academy.

Lloyd’s love for Inverness led to his earlier involvements as a founding member of the Inverness Kinsmen Club where he served as charter president and as Deputy Governor for District 7, Zone 3, during which time he helped charter the Kinsmen Club of Margaree. Lloyd played a pivotal role in the planning and construction of the Inverness arena and he worked tirelessly, with all levels of government, in helping provide new affordable housing in the community. Lloyd was also a member of the original committee which got the ball rolling for the reclamation of the old Inverness coal mine properties to provide a canvas for a future links golf course which led to the eventual development of Cabot Links. He also served as a founding member of the Inverness Development Association.

During his time as a two-term municipal councilor, and while working with the Inverness Development Association, Lloyd’s passion for the conservation and improvement of the Inverness Beach area led to the creation of new paved parking lots, better access to the beach, more shoreline protection and the creation of an extensive boardwalk. He also helped spearhead the Harbour Development Project which brought much needed new wharf infrastructure, storage buildings and a larger, more accessible parking area adjacent to the wharf.

Lloyd was a long-serving member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132 in Inverness. He initiated the idea of creating a veteran’s memorial wall in the Inverness Education Centre/Academy and, with the help of students, and countless hours of research and communication with veterans and their families, was able to fill several beautifully-constructed showcases with photos, medals and other memorabilia from our veterans and their families. Soon, the memorial started to attract donations from across Inverness County and beyond, with items being mailed to him from families with Inverness County connections from all across Canada and the U.S. Not satisfied with only a memorial wall to serve as a reminder to the youth of the sacrifices made by our veterans, Lloyd requested that the town’s Cenotaph be moved from the hospital to the front entrance of the school, while at the same time having the school’s street name changed to Veterans Memorial Court.

Lloyd’s other passions in life, all of which he excelled at, included painting, photography, carpentry, and gardening. He had a voracious appetite for books. He was an avid hunter of birds and fisher of trout. Time on Lake Ainslie and in the woods were Heaven to him. Lloyd loved dogs. In our house it started with Drake, and there were the many Newfoundlands; his last was Jake, a golden lab, who now roams our home in search of his best friend. There was even a horse in the mix, too, a way to keep his sons from spending too much time at the racetrack. It didn’t work, but he was OK with that. Lloyd made sure our family history would be kept intact, from the day our family began, creating countless photo albums, all detailed and organized in a way we would only expect of him. He put his entire heart and soul into every project no matter how big or small. He loved music. He loved a good conversation, a strong debate, and even took part in the odd heated argument. He was an excellent public speaker. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a BEST FRIEND in every way to his sons. Lloyd had a strong faith in God, too.

While Lloyd spent most of his life fighting and working for the betterment of Inverness, his biggest battle in the end was a courageous, 15-plus-year struggle with a blood disease, a fight that he could have given up on much sooner were it not for the desire to live for his family and to experience the love of his grandchildren for whom he cherished more than anything on this Earth. Being a good husband, father, grandfather and friend meant everything to him.

We cannot express in words how grateful we are for the care Lloyd received from the staff at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, especially from: Mary Anderson, Dr. McLaughlin, Dr. Kate MacInnis, Dr. Pillai, the oncology and palliative care staff, and the entire nursing staff.

Lloyd came into this world a true Scot, the son of a coal miner. The day he left us, St. Patrick’s Day, was one he would have had his Jiggs dinner at the Coal Miner’s and he would have raised a few glasses at home while singing along to The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Lloyd left the world an honorary Irishman on a day he loved. Almost like he planned it.

Visitation will take place in Inverness Funeral Home on Tuesday March 22, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will take place in Stella Maris Church, Inverness on Wednesday March 23, at 11 a.m. with a gathering to follow at the Inverness Firehall.

Memorial donations may be made to Inverary Manor, Inverness or to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society.

Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com

Tip a glass in my honour

And perhaps pour a sip on my grave.

It’s not so much the whiskey

As your company I crave.

Sing me one of your favourite tunes

We used to join in at the pub.

Remember me fondly as you sing,

And I’ll remember you to God here above.

-Kelly Roper