January 12, 1939 - December 1, 2024
With deep sadness, the family of Angus Bernard (Bernie) Gillis announce his peaceful passing on December 1, 2024 in his 86th year. Left to mourn are daughter Lynne (Rob) and son Robert and his cherished grandchildren Veronika, Samantha, Madison and Liam. Bernie will also be deeply missed by his siblings Ruby and Shirley. Predeceased by infant son Adrian Keith, parents Angus and Bessie Gillis, brother Michael Wayne, and a sister in infancy.
Bernie grew up in New Waterford, NS. Born into a coal miner’s family, his father Angus did barbering on the side, eventually making a going concern of a full-time barbershop. His mother Bessie kept the family ship afloat and kept the books for the barbershop. With not many employment options in the area, Bernie enlisted in the military, married young, and moved from post to post around the country. Myrna was their social convener and quickly built them a community of friends and a busy schedule of activities no matter where they were. Once Lynne & Robert came along, there were plenty of family vacations - trips back to extended family in Cape Breton, and loads and loads of camping trips to explore the various provinces where they were stationed. Bernie spent much of his career as a Radar Technician, serving along the Pine Tree Line of radar defence installations. Getting to live near oceans, on prairies and near mountains was one of the great benefits of military family life.
Eventually Bernie and Myrna stopped their nomad ways and put down roots in Barrie, with Bernie working at Base Borden. Their camping trips turned to boating trips in the summers, and they took up winter residence in Brownsville, Texas. In 2005, a hitch was put in their plans when Bernie was diagnosed with colon cancer. It seemed initially that it was caught and treated early and well. Unfortunately, a year later it returned, requiring more invasive procedures and treatments. Still, with Myrna’s excellent ministrations, Bernie bounced back again. Luck didn’t seem on his side as the year following brought liver cancer, and the one after that lung cancer. Bernie stoically faced every hurdle in front of him. He had expert help in the form of Dr. Rob El-Maraghi and the cancer team at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Myrna’s weekly deliveries of cookies and squares to the nursing staff probably didn’t hurt either.
We had more than 19 “bonus” years with him, earning him the name "Tank Dad” for how he seemed to steamroller over whatever obstacles landed in his path.
In the early part of this year, Bernie gave his all caring for Myrna until she passed in April. Duty was always his guiding principle, and he looked after her at great cost to himself. We nearly lost him in July, weakened and deeply ill with both COVID and pneumonia, but Tank Dad rolled on some more. He battled back to life on his own terms since September - getting to drive again, living with much independence and some support from the wonderful folks at Whispering Pines, and using that time to dutifully leave things as orderly as he could because he acknowledged that he’d used up all the punches on his “nine lives” card. Waiting in hospital for a simple procedure, he caught us by surprise by simply making a quiet exit. He was one of the good ones, and he will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held for Bernie on Monday, December 16th, 2024 with visitation at 10 am and chapel service at 11 am, followed by refreshments at Adams Funeral Home (445 St. Vincent St, Barrie). The last thing Bernie would want is for anyone to make a fuss. We recognize that winter travel and the proximity to Christmas might keep you from joining us in person, but we know you will be with us in spirit.
The chapel service will be live-streamed for anyone who cannot join us in person through the following link:
Livestream Funeral Link
Memorial donations may be directed to the Cancer Care department at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, or do as Bernie did and generously support your local Food Bank/Food Pantry.
Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca