William James “Bill” Gillis, 87, of Moncton, with his loving family at his side, passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital on Monday, December 26, 2016. Born in Campbellton, NB, he was the eldest son of the late William James and Mary (Haley) Gillis.

His lifetime career was in the technical and management fields of the telecommunications industry with postings to various Maritime centers as well as St. John’s, Montreal, Toronto, and internationally for 15 years in Tanzania, East Africa.

 

Throughout his life he was active in the Amateur Radio Service, holding station license VE1WG since 1946, VE3WG in Ontario, and 5H3WG in Tanzania. He served two terms as President of the Moncton Area Amateur Radio Club where he also conducted license qualifying instruction and edited the Club monthly newsletter. He was a member of the Montreal Amateur Radio Club, the Oakville ON Radio Club and in the national organization served as Regional Director (Maritimes) and national President. He had been an active member of the Beausejour Curling Club and the Beaver Curling Club.

His many accomplishments included playing piano, woodworking, genealogical research and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Bill was well read, and enjoyed writing about many historical events that he researched very thoroughly. He most enjoyed welcoming friends and family to his home of 54 years in Harrisville, (especially the Thursday lunch crowd), and helping his many grandchildren with their projects in his shop whenever he could. He also took great pride in his participation to influence the naming of Harrisville Boulevard.

Bill will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 65 years, Patricia “Pat” (Picot); his cherished children, Diane Prosser (Eric), Donald Gillis (Kathy), Daniel Gillis (Timmie), Kathie Blomsma (Paul), Patti Trites (Steve) and Michael Gillis (Janet), all of Moncton and Peter Gillis (Trina) of Leduc, AB; his adored grandchildren, Derek Prosser, Jeff Prosser (Mariel), Audrey Cochrane (Matt), Laura Frost (Brady), William Gillis, Jessica Gillis (Luc Doiron), Jim Gillis (Manon Boudreau), Kristi Hughes (Tyler), Andrew Trites (Sarah), Ben Trites, Jordan Gillis (Samantha Scribner), Tommy Gillis, Katie Gillis, Shanna Gillis; his precious great–grandchildren, Marissa Prosser, Molly Cochrane, Ruby Cochrane, James Frost, Mary Frost, five day old Liam Gillis and soon arriving Amelia Hughes; his brothers, Robert Gillis (late Janice 1999) and Ralph Gillis (Alice Marie); God–daughter, Patsy Burton; sisters–in–law, Claudette Picot (Don) and Jeannine Cochrane (late Bill 2015); brother–in–law, Jules Picot (Carol); several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Gillis (2016) and his beloved great–granddaughter, Hailey Amelia Hughes (2015).

Visitation at Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858–1995) on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A Service to celebrate and honor Bill’s life will be held at Fergusons Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Charles Broderick presiding. Reception in the Funeral Home Reception Centre following the service. Interment will be following the service at Lakeside Cemetery, Lakeville, Westmorland Co.

In memory of Bill, donations to a memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

(Source: Telegraph-Journal)