It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Allan Christopher Gillis on June 21 2026, at the age of 68.

Affectionately known as “Gick”, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, collector of Celtic and Indigenous keepsakes, woodworker, BBQ enthusiast, and avid storyteller. Gick lived life to the fullest: if there was a conversation to be had, a joke to tell, a barbecue to tend, or a story to embellish where the truth was often somewhere between what happened and what Gick said happened, chances are he was at the center of it.

Gick was predeceased by his father, Allan Vincent Gillis; his mother, Lucy Mary Gillis (née Bowman); his sister, Colleen Siller; and his brother, Ronnie Gillis. We can only imagine the reunion taking place now, complete with laughter, storytelling, and probably a discussion over what to have for dinner.

He is survived by his loving family; wife Murdith (née Skinner); his sons, Liam and Colin(Maggie); his sister, Connie Welton; his brother, Frankie (Pauline), cherished in-laws; dear nieces and nephews; and a large circle of cousins, friends, former students, and colleagues who are all left wondering who is going to tell the stories now.

A proud graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, Allan dedicated his career to teaching at Eskasoni Elementary and Middle School, as well as Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education. Countless students learned far more than what was written in the curriculum. History lessons became adventures and ordinary stories became legends.

His interests were endless. He loved woodworking, gardening, cooking, history, motorcycles, rugby, hockey, Celtic traditions, First Nations culture, and collecting treasures that others may have mistaken for junk. He had a gift for seeing value where others did not and could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone.

Gick was also known as the undisputed BBQ King. Whether this title was officially recognized by any governing body remains unclear, but nobody was brave enough to challenge it. His cooking brought people together, and he was always eager to share any version of “Al’s Delight”.

Above all else, Gick was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and a doting Poppy to his grand-dogs Raina, Willow, and Aspen, all of whom were convinced they were his favourites.

If you ever heard Gick’s booming belly laugh, received one of his practical jokes, listened to one of his stories, or sat around a fire, a lunch table, a barbecue, a hockey bench, or a kitchen table with him, then you know how lucky you were.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, June 29, at 1:00 p.m. at . The celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., with the reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Allan’s memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Breton or the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, two organizations that continue to make a meaningful difference in our community.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and almost certainly quoted for years to come.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.