Obituary of Neil Joseph Gillis

Gillis, Neil Joseph

June 23, 1937 - November 27, 2021

It is with great sadness the family of Neil J. Gillis of Halifax, announce the passing of their father, brother and uncle.

Neil leaves to mourn his passing, former wife Elizabeth Claire (Vancouver); daughter, Lisa Marie Gillis (Vancouver) and son Daryl Lorette  (Halifax); granddaughters: Christina Mould and Natalia Kerr (Vancouver); sisters: Hughina Parmiter (Halifax), Mary Jane Barkhouse (Chester), Donna Methot (Dartmouth), Monica Gillis, Ave Miceli, Lee Rumowicz, Marian Frazer (all of Florida), brothers: John (California) and Ronald (Halifax).

Predeceased by parents, Hugh and Elizabeth Gillis; brothers: Thomas, Michael, James; sisters: Jane, Joan, Theresa, Nora and Elizabeth.  

After serving in the Air Force, Neil worked from the Yukon to the Bahamas. He spent 30 plus years in the hospitality industry.  His long list of successes included lounges such as Dina’s, The Network, Alexanders, Churchill’s and Boomers. He volunteered many hours at Hand in Hand Thrift Store and Veritas Catholic Bookstore. Neil believed in hard work and rarely took time for himself.

Neil loved hosting family gatherings.  He always offered help without question, expecting nothing in return, to family, friends, strangers, even the odd undocumented soul.  Neil believed in keeping life simple and being kind to others.

Neil was well known, much admired and loved.  He has left us with many fond memories and extraordinary stories.  Neil will be sorely missed.

Neil had many original sayings, but often quoted:

“Que Sera, Sera, …”

Donations in memory of Neil J. Gillis may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Visitation will take place on Thursday December 2, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm at J. Albert Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS. 

Funeral Service to be held at Stella Maris (St Michael's) Parish, 14 St Michael's Ave, Halifax, NS on Friday December 3, 2021 at 11:00 am. Event will be livestreamed at both links: www.facebook.com/stellamarishalifax and www.youtube.com//channel/UCbQ6o_1XHjnyVaeAqMPYGFw 

Proof of double vaccination and government ID are required for both services. Masks must be worn at all times.