Obituary of Philip Gillis

We are sad to announce the passing of Philip Gillis, loving father and friend on Friday, May 12, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Philip was the son of the late Alexander (Sandy) Gillis and Florence nee MacKinnon. He was born in Sydney Mines, NS, but went down the road to Ontario in his youth to find greener pastures. Only recently did he return home to live in the place he always loved and longed to be. Philip led an interesting, fulfilling life. His career started in mining at the Princess Mine as a teenager. He later worked in mining in Sudbury before moving to Southern Ontario where he then learned sheet metal work and trained as a fitter in heavy industry. Later in life, he became a sales professional and retired in Cambridge, Ontario, where he married and raised his family as active and faithful members of Forward Baptist Church. He spent many winters relaxing in Florida and was thankful for that time in his life. He was a jack of all trades and a very accomplished Sales Professional. Like his forebears, Philip was proud to be descended from his Scottish ancestors, whom he always claimed arrived in Nova Scotia on the Hector, in 1765. This has since been determined to be a false claim. He is survived by his three children; Stephen (Peggy), London, Ont., Christine (Bob) Crawford, Brampton, Marie Dickson, Burlington; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as many other nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers and sisters and two grandchildren, Nathaniel Alexander Gillis, and Oliver Patrick Schutz. Dad was always loyal to his family and extremely proud of his children. He endeavoured to always keep in touch with his family despite the separation and distance between them and himself in so many unexplained ways. Philip was a man of faith. He believed in God, the Trinity, everlasting life, and especially in the power of prayer. He will be delighted to share in the fellowship of heaven with brother, sisters, family, and friends out on the Mira. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. A graveside service will take place on May 26, 11:30 am, at Brookside Cemetery, Sydney Mines. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Grace Fellowship Church in Sydney Mines. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting service@tjtracey.com.