Bob was born on January 22, 1955 to Donald and Marjorie Gillies. He is survived by 3 siblings; a sister, Robin Black, 2 brothers, Jeffrey Gillies, and Jason Gillies (wife, Jennifer and 3 nieces, Allison, Jadyn and Olivia)
He attended Sward Elementary school, and Richards high school in Oak Lawn. As a graduate of Kendall Culinary school, he worked as a Chef at The Ambassador East Hotel, at the Chicago Stadium for the Bulls and Blackhawks teams, and during the summer at The Taste of Chicago. Later he worked as a UPS driver. He was married to Irene Marie Sorenson (who pre-deceased him) for 14 years.
Out of work a family asked if he would be willing to help drive them to Florida. That was his entrance into living in Florida. He got work through a Staffing Center that eventually led to his working for Tropicana Orange Juice until the plant closed. Heard about need for 1st Mate of Enterprise Chartering Services. He had a knack for relating to people, a natural in this kind of job.
He hated the Chicago winter but would often travel up for Family Reunions and Christmas holidays.
Wanting to be closer to family and friends he finally accepted the invitation to come back and share a condo with a longtime friend, eventually moving into his own apartment. It was there that he contracted a debilitating illness that finally took his life.
The joke teller of the crowd, he loved relating to people. Bob will always be remembered as one who loved and laughed, sharing himself with those he encountered in life.
On Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11:00 am there will be a visitation and a memorial service will be held immediately after, beginning at 12:00 pm. It will take place at Crosswinds of Chicago Church, 10835 S. Pulaski in Chicago. Interment will be private.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelHillGardensSouth.com for the Gillies family.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5