Neil William Joseph Gillis

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Neil W. J. Gillis on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the age of 86, after a relatively short hospital stay. Neil is survived by his loving wife, Jane (nee Keenan), his much-loved sister, Nancy (Bill Mikkelsen), and 3 amazing daughters – Angela (Bruce Turner), Suzanne (Bill Ashby) and Heather (Eamonn Flynn) in whom he instilled a love of driving around looking at open houses. Predeceased by his beloved sisters, Mary (Kirwin/Kenny) and Paula (McLarty). An adoring grandfather (“Ga”) to his grandchildren – Bryn, Brady, Shae, Curtis, Cody, Stella and step-grandchildren Elisa & Graham – who he loved to be around and was always interested in whatever they were up to. Dad also leaves behind his large, caring family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews (too many to name, sorry all) who will remember Uncle Neil as always up for a party and a good laugh. Dad also spent many years up north at the cottage at Thunder Beach and will be greatly missed by his many friends up there.

Dad was born in Alberton, PEI on August 9, 1935 and moved to Toronto, ON in his twenties where he began his career as a real estate appraiser and met mom. Thank God she put up with him long enough to have us and provide us with a loving and happy home to grow up in. We will always remember him with a drink in hand, the cat (which he didn’t really want but grew to love) in his lap and a quick wit. His sense of humour was awesome. To dad family was very important – “Friends come and go but family will always be there for you” – and we will all carry that with us as we move forward without him & raise a glass in his name.

A very special thank you to the doctors and staff in the Neuro / Stroke Program and the Palliative Care Unit at North York General Hospital, you made this hard time a little easier for us. And to all of the staff at Amica Bayview Gardens. Over the last couple of years you have been there for everything that my father could have ever needed. For that, we thank you. A visitation will occur at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, located at 6191 Yonge Street on Wednesday, September 1st, from 2 pm – 4 pm. Funeral service will be on Thursday, September 2nd at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church (24 Cheritan Ave.) In lieu of flowers please consider a donation the Neuro / Stroke Program at North York General Hospital or to a charity of your choice, in the memory of Neil Gillis.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Gillis family.