Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Martin Gillis announce his passing after a lengthy illness, on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 14, 1941 in Sydney, Martin, being a Pier boy, was the son of the late Joseph and Mary-Ann (MacIsaac) Gillis.
Martin was employed with 20/20 Electric for over 30 years. He was a very proud and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 46 years.
Martin is survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty (Stephens) Gillis; children, Ralph, Vincent, Kari (Ian) and Kristopher; grandchildren, Audrey, Stephen, Michelle, Madison and Violet; siblings, Caroline, Irene (Terry), Imelda (Al).
Besides his parents, Martin was predeceased by his daughter, Audrey; sister, Sr. Judith Gillis CND and his brother-in-law, Carlin.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Martin Ronald Gillis will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier on Sunday, September 29, 2019. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2 – 4:30 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 5 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul McGillvray officiating. Private family interment will be held at a later date.
Donations in memory of Martin may be made to The Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
We are so very sorry for your loss. God has given him his Angel Wings. Fly High
From: Dorothy March Giacomini.
So sorry to hear about Martin, My name is Linda(MacIsaac) Graham. I am Sander MacIsaac’s daughter. Martin was a caring person he would help whom ever he could. May you find your strength through God.
From: Linda Graham
RIP ..will be missed at lil vegas and casino
From: Joe Antinello
So very sorry for your loss Betty, my sincere condolences to you & your family.
Thank-you so very much Rita.
Dear Betty and family…
Sending you our condolences! So sorry to hear Martin passed away! Sending you hugs and love…. Roy and Mary Elizabeth
Roy and Mary Elizabeth, thank-you very much for your words and thoughts.
Sending hugs and prayers to Kari Madison and family
Thank-you very much.
So sorry to hear of your loss Betty. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely
Shirley and Ted Lamport
Brandon, Mb
Thank-you Shirley and Ted. We appreciate your kind sentiments.
So sorry for your loss. Marty was a great and kind man.
Thank-you Bonnie & J.R. for your sentiments.
Such sad news Kari. Your dad was a genuinely kind soul and will be greatly missed. Rest well Papa G. You have earned your wings. It was a pleasure to know you. Condolences Mama G. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever.
Sandra, thank-you very much for your kind sentiments. He will be missed, but will now be in peace. Thank goodness Kari is here to help me.
Betty & Family . So very sorry for your loss. Martin was always a Great Guy to speak with. R.I.P. Sir. { P.S. Martin, you died on my Birthday. I know you would find that amusing. You loved to laugh. }
Thank-you Davis for your message. I’m sure he is amused to know that you both share important dates. lol
My sympathy to Betty and family, sorry for your loss.
Thank-you Courtney.
Dear Betty and family
We were very saddened to learn that Martin had passed away.
He was a wonderful fellow, a great Pier boy and a good friend to our family.
We are thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Dan and Donna MacRury
Dan and Donna, thank-you very much for your kind sentiments.
Betty and family, my sincere condolences to you and Marty’s siblings. He was a great guy committed to service in AA he will be greatly missed . He was always good for a chat when our paths crossed.
God Bless
Terry, thank-you for your kind words.
My heart and my mind are filled today with fond memories of my times spent over the years with my friend Martin G. We shared so much fun and fellowship that he will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Betty and all of Martins family.
Gob bless and we will speak soon.
John & Leona, thank you very much for your kind words. Met your brother yesterday Leona. You boys had been good friends for a long time. I feel very fortunate that not only our two children were home, but also Ralph (his eldest son) and his family were here too.
Betty, so very sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. We went to Holy Redeemer Boys back in the day and I remember giving him a copy of an old class pic we both were in. And of course, Sunday night Tarabish with the Grumpy Old Men were certainly enjoyed. He was a fine upstanding man. May he Rest in Peace.
Thank-you Terry. He, Charlie, Phonse and a few more will likely have some card games now as well. I appreciate your words of kindness.
Thank-you Terry for your words of kindness.