Obituary of Ray Gillis

Gillis, Ray, 95 of High Crest Home, New Glasgow formerly of Stellarton passed away on December 13, 2020 at High Crest Home, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Born April 22, 1925 in Stellarton, he lived all his life there until moving to High Crest Home in December 2018. He married the love of his life, Teresa, on August 7, 1948 and together they raised two children Harold and Joanne. Ray went to work in the Pictou County coal mines at the age of 16 and dug coal for 27 years. After the mines closed, Ray worked as a waiter at the former Bonavista Tavern(now Glasgow Pub), before going on to work at Michelin Tire until his retirement.. There were many entertaining stories from his days ‘slinging beer’, but he always said that coal mining was the best job he ever had. In his almost 50 years of working life, he rarely missed a day on the job. Ray enjoyed the everyday pleasures of life. In the summer he liked going to Melmerby Beach for a swim. When he reached his 70’s, he was always sure to remind the lifeguards to keep an eye on him in the water. At home he kept busy with odd jobs around the house and a very productive garden in the summer. He was a man of few words but could be outspoken about things he cared about. Over the years he enjoyed jokingly teasing his niece Andrea, his sister-in-law, Evelyn(among others)and enjoyed receiving as good as he gave. Ray was predeceased by his wife Teresa, sisters, Nora MacDonald, Mary and Nancy Gillis, Elizabeth Conn, brothers William, George and John Gillis. Surviving Ray are his children, Harold, Victoria, BC; and Joanne(William Mayes), Hopewell. At ray’s request there will be no visitation or funeral services. A private family burial service will be held in the Christ Anglican Cemetery, Stellarton. angusfuneralhomes.com