Donald Bernard Gillis

Donnie is now in heaven with Marie, his beloved wife of 52 years. He was a caring father of Johnny, Rodney (Ellen), Lisa (Brian), Danny, and Mindy (Jeremy). He was an adored Papa to Brett, Logan, Marli, Jake, Jamie, Bailee, Maria, Maddie and Jack. Donnie was the son of the late John S. and Katie Eugene (MacIsaac) Gillis of Hawthorne. He is survived by siblings, Mary Detroit; Elaine, Bedford; Marge, Judique; Archie, Judique; and Helen, Toronto. He is predeceased by siblings, Neil, John, and Anne Marie; Archie, Catherine and Christina; John, and Genevieve. Many nieces and nephews will miss their uncle Bananahead.

One of his first jobs was driving a truck where he would pop in to see the love of his life at Hart’s in Mabou. Donnie and Marie worked in Massachusetts where they were married in 1964 and also lived in Detroit, Michigan where Donnie worked as a truck driver. They relocated to the homestead in Hawthorne in 1971 where he was hired at the then named Nova Scotia Forest Industries. He retired from the pulp mill after 25 years.

Donnie was an avid horse lover whose enthusiasm for harness racing took he and Marie all over the Maritimes. Donnie put Hawthorne Road on the map by naming his horses after many family members and neighbors. He was a die-hard fan of hockey as he never missed any of his sons’ hockey games, or Montreal games but he could also be found wherever his sons were driving horses. Many boisterous card games were played over the years with and against Marie, and their many friends.

Resting at the Port Hood Funeral Home until Wednesday, March 1st which would have been his 79th birthday and then on to St. Peter’s Parish Church for funeral mass at 11:00 am. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, February 28th from 3:00 to 8:00pm. Interment to follow.

Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dad may be made to the Inverness Hospital Palliative Care Unit and St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery. On behalf of Dad, we’d like to say a humbling, and heartfelt thank you to the many hardworking and compassionate nursing staff at the Inverness Hospital.

There are no words to express our gratitude to Lori Ann MacDonald. Her care, compassion, knowledge and support during this time for Dad, and ultimately his family was exemplary. Thanks to all family and friends near and far for all of the support, food, visits, and phone calls. The kindness and extra efforts from so many people is humbling and so appreciated. On-line condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com