GILLIS, Simon

Simon passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024, at Dartmouth General Hospital, with his family by his side. He was born in Gillisdale, on Cape Breton Island, almost 91 years ago, to the late John Alex and Maria (Macrae) Gillis. He was the youngest and last remaining member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his brothers, Patrick and Allan; and sisters, Josephine and Loretta (both in infancy), Effie Helen Jasinski, and Margaret. He was also predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Helen (Macneil) Gillis. He is survived by brother-in-law, Gene Jasinski of Fairview; and sister-inlaw, Amilda Mackenzie of Beaver Cove. He is also survived by daughter, Arlana of Gloucester, ON; son, Lloyd and his wife Jiah Son of South Surrey, BC; and Mark and his wife Laurie of Halifax. He is also survived by grandchildren, Mariah of Vancouver; Joey Ha of Atlanta, GA; Alix of South Surrey; and Cormack of Halifax; as well as many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He grew up in the Margarees and attended Macfarlane School in Upper Margaree, St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, and Nova Scotia Technical College in Halifax. He was a lifetime member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia. His employment experience included work in the mining industry in Northern Québec, highway construction with the Nova Scotia Department of Highways and concluded as a principal with CBCL Limited. He was a long-time member of St. Thomas More Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dartmouth, Dartmouth Toastmasters, and the Canadian Cancer Society. He was a consummate community volunteer, particularly with the East Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club, DASC (Dartmouth Adult Service Centre) Industries, and the Archdiocese of Halifax-yarmouth. He was recognized for his community building efforts by both the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality. His leisure time was spent researching his family tree and walking with his buddies on the trails of Shubie Park, retelling the same stories every day. The family thanks the staff of Dartmouth General Hospital (5 West in particular) and of Laurel’s Lake Residence for their love and care during his stay at their facilities. Thanks also to VON, Drs. Tien, Duplisea, Lori Wood, and Jeremy Wood, as well as nurse practitioner Aprill Susin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society at Christ the King Parish (St. Thomas More Church) in Dartmouth. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, on Thursday, May 2, from 2-4 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Thomas More Church, 15 Caledonia Rd., Dartmouth on Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception. The mass will be live streamed, but registration is required. Registration and online condolences may be made by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com Dartmouth Chapel.

May his soul rest in peace.