Obituary of William Bernard

Gillis; William Bernard, "Bernie", 81, of Doctors Brook, Antigonish County, passed away peacefully, Saturday, August 23, 2014 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Antigonish, he was a son of the late Joseph and Catherine (MacDonald) Gillis. Bernie joined the RCAF in 1955, postings were from February - March 1955 in St. Jean, QC, April - June 1955 in Alymer, ON, June 1955 - May 1956 in Trenton, ON, May 1956 – May 1957 in Churchill, MB, May 1957 - July 1965 in Namao, AB, July 1965 – July 1967 in Moncton, NB, July 1967 – August 1971 in Lahr, Germany, August 1971 - August 1978 in Trenton, ON, August 1978 – November 1982 in Kingston, ON, November 1982 – February 1983 in Ottawa, ON, February 1983 – December 1987 in Trenton, ON. He retired from the military in 1987 and returned home to Doctors Brook. Bernie was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Antigonish, enjoyed curling and was always available to help where needed. He especially enjoyed spending time with his 6 grandchildren who adored their beloved Grampe. Surviving are his wife, Dolly, son Joe (Sandra), Summerside, PE, daughters Loretta Gillis, Beverly (Marc Lalonde) Gillis, Theresa Gillis, all of Dorval, PQ, grandchildren Michael and Benjamin Lalonde, Lily and Evelyn Hansen-Gillis and Liam and Evan Lynch, brother Ronald, Doctors Brook, sisters Kay Williams, Guysborough, Jean (Tim) Clifford, Florida, Sr. Loretta Gillis, Antigonish and numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Donald and John Hugh, sister Annabel Cameron, sister-in-laws Celestine Gillis, Helen Gillis, Isabelle Gillis, brother-in-laws Leland Williams, and niece Linda Gillis and nephew Donnie Gillis. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Monday, August 25, in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Tuesday in St Margaret of Scotland Church, Arisaig, Rev Greard MacInnis presiding. Burial in the parish Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. www.MacIsaacs.ca