Michael Aubrey Gillis

Glace Bay, Nova Scotia

1935 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Michael Aubrey Gillis, who left us peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by family. Aubrey’s life was defined by curiosity, humour, and a profound love for his family.

Aubrey was a proud son to the late John Francis Gillis and Ida Gillis (Gallant), who raised their family in Glace Bay. Aubrey served six honourable years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, a time he often reflected on with pride and fondness. After traveling across 12 countries and two continents during his service, he decided his last destination would be at home in Glacé Bay. He soon met his beloved wife, the late Lila Gillis (MacMullin), and they started a family. Aubrey built their second family home with the help of his father, working as an electrician during this time in #26 Colliery and later at Lingan Mine.

Though his schooling initially ended at grade six, Aubrey’s love of learning never did. In adulthood, he returned to his education with determination, attending night school and achieving a high school diploma. He built a personal library that would rival any scholar’s—filled with encyclopedias, science books, and his beloved cookbooks. He was a true student of life.

Aubrey found immense joy in preparing meals for others. His homemade bread and pizza were the stuff of legend.

A man of many talents, Aubrey also had a flair for the stage. He brought stories to life in countless community theatre productions, with standout performances in My Fair Lady, Lend Me a Tenor, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, Plaza Suite, and perhaps most memorably, as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Stingiest Man in Town.

He was predeceased by his brothers Addie, Earl, and Raymond; sisters Agnes Gillis, Anne Burns, and Lynn Grenier; in-laws Tony Tighe, Henry Boudreau, Allie Burns, Michel Grenier, and Sue Gillis; his cherished friend Barbara Smith; and his loyal canine companion of nearly 20 years, Emma.

Aubrey leaves behind a loving and proud family: his sisters Elaine Tighe and Genevieve Boudreau; his daughter and best friend Kelly Daley (Jim), sons Aubrey (Linda) and Sean (Tanya); and his treasured grandchildren Jacob, Luke, Sebastian, Adriana, Scott, Evan, Hunter, and Lila. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will miss his stories and wisdom.

Aubrey’s Family would like to thank Dr. Spencer, Dr. Brien, the staff at the Geriatric Clinic, and the staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, especially those in 3A and the Intensive Care Unit. Special thanks as well to Home Instead and its staff, Aubrey’s caregivers Betty, Blessna, Grishma, Sandra, and Divya, and his friend and neighbor Martha, who all provided immeasurable support and kindness to Aubrey in his Later Years.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 4–7pm at Tracey's Funeral Home in Glace Bay, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. Food and refreshment to follow at 208 Tompkinsville Reserve Mines. All who knew and loved Aubrey are welcome to gather and share memories.

In the words he might have said himself— “Don’t be sad it’s over; be glad it happened.”

His was a life worth celebrating, and a spirit that will continue to shine in all who were lucky enough to know him.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

To share words of condolence, please visit our website www.tjtracey.com.