Obituary of John Simon Gillis

GILLIS, John S. Pictou On July 3, 2023 John Simon Gillis, age 73, passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia following a short illness. John was born in Inverness, Nova Scotia and was the youngest son of the late Archibald and Mary Francis (MacIsaac) Gillis. John moved to Pictou in 1953 and remained a resident until his passing. He became an employee of Michelin Canada in 1972 and retired after 30 years of service. John was an avid hiker and for many years hiked the trail from Caribou Park Beach to the end of Munroe’s Island several times a week, during all seasons of the year. John always enjoyed meeting up and chatting with other hikers on the trail. John’s home was his castle where he spent many happy hours, whether it be mowing his lawn to perfection, washing his car, relaxing in the sun on his deck or treating his favorite dogs Stammer and Maggie. He had a favorite ball team, the New York Yankees, and he never missed watching a game. Retirement was truly a joy for John and he enjoyed every day of it. John was predeceased by his parents and older brothers, Norman and Joseph. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Susan Gillis; and his nephews, Jimmy, Kevin, Brian and Michael. Cremation has taken place under the direction of McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. John’s committal service will be held at Seaview Cemetery in Pictou, Nova Scotia on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 3:30pm. If desired, donations in memory of John may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital where he received very kind and special care. www.mclarenfuneral.ca Go Yankees!