Sydney, NS
September 10, 1934 - July 28, 2024
With many broken hearts, we regretfully announce the passing of Peter James Gillis on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born on September 10, 1934, in Sydney, Peter was the son of the late John R. and Annie Gillis.
Peter was one of nine children and went by many names, Peter, Pete, Dad, Grand, Granddaddy, and Bull. In Peter’s younger years, he was a Rink Rat at the Old Sydney Forum.
Peter loved hunting, fishing, gardening, watching baseball and hockey games, and in his later years baking bread, taking his grandkids for walks around Sydney, and Wednesday night TV Bingo. Grand’s favourite thing he enjoyed the most was family gatherings.
Dad grew up with a large family and was blessed with having one of his own with his one true love, Kaye.
Peter worked over the years in Ontario, South Carolina, and back in Cape Breton. He was a Jack of all trades to name a few – Telegraph Deliverer, Greenhouse Labourer, Textile worker at the Cotton Mill, Meat Cutter for 25 years, security for Burns and City Works Dept., and before he retired, he was a Cross Walk Guard for Sacred Heart School.
Peter leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Kaye (Edwards); children, Cheryl (John) MacDonald, Edwardsville, Barry MacLeod, Sydney, Danielle (David) MacLeod, Whycocomagh, Janet (Brian) Alexander, East Bay, and Cheryl Lynn (the late Jerome) Myette, Port Hawkesbury; grandchildren, Brittany Clarke (Sean Lewis), Brent Clarke (Rebeca King), Skylar (David) Anderson, Kayla MacLeod, Rheanon MacLeod (Noel Doucette), Jocelyn (Colby) Pettipas, and Jeremy Myette; siblings, Jean Crawley, Anna Shelton, Hazel Mansfield, Peggy White, and Lorraine (Norman) McCuish; sisters-in-law Mary Gillis, and Freida Gillis, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and special cousin Elsie Wilkie.
Besides his parents, Peter was predeceased by his brothers, John Gillis, Duncan Gillis, and George Gillis; brothers-in-law, Cy Crawley, Jim Shelton, Bob Mansfield, and Irv White; sister-in-law, Alice Gillis, and son-in-law, Jerome Myette.
Peter had an infectious smile, a very kind heart, patience, and love for all of his family and extended friends and family. He was so funny with his quirky sayings – “Peter at the parking meter”, “See you later alligator”, “Ciamar a tha thu?” (Gaelic for how are you), “10-4 out the back door”, and his singing fish song “Don’t Worry be Happy”. He always brought joy and laughter to everyone he met.
We would like to thank the City Homemakers, Miners Memorial Manor, and CB Regional Palliative Care for their care of Peter in his time of need.
A special thank you to the many family members who came to be with him in his last few days.
The Gillis Boys are back together again!
10-4 out the back door!
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Peter Gillis will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Stephen Mills officiating.
Donations in memory of Peter may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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