May 1, 1944 - September 20, 2022
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Charlie Gillis. Born at home at McKinnon Harbour, Cape Breton on May 1, 1944, and died in Courtenay, BC on September 20, 2022.
Taken to hospital September 8, 2022 with Primary Stabbing Headache Syndrome, which is associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia which he suffered with for 14 years. He was recently diagnosed with vascular dementia, which did not impede his quality of life or activities. Despite a courageous battle to ease the pain of PSH, nothing could take it away until God called him home on September 20, 2022.
He received the last rites of the Catholic Church, Sacrament of the Sick, just prior to being admitted to the excellent care of the Nurses and Doctors of the third floor at North Island Courtenay Hospital. Remember "Charlie Brown" Gillis with love, prayers, and happy memories. Charlie was a proud RCEME member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving from February 10, 1964 to February 14, 1995. An Aviation Technician primarily on helicopters, he served with 408, 442, 447, 444, making long lasting friendships and memories on bases across Canada and Germany, finally retiring in Comox, BC.
Hardworking, respected, and a loyal friend to all who knew him, Charlie was happiest riding his bikes or fixing cars. Charlie worshipped at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel, 19 Wing Comox. He was always willing to assist in chapel functions or to help his wife with CWL activities.
Charlie was an active alumni member of the Order of the Politically Incorrect Unorganized Motorcyclists, aka OPIUM, even creating their logo. Biker members met regularly at Buckley Bay for coffee to admire their bikes, discuss latest projects, and share a laugh. Thanks guys for looking out for Charlie and including him when he could no longer ride his BMW.
Son of Neil Hugh Gillis and Francis Anne (McNeil) Gillis (deceased). Brother to siblings Joseph (Dorothy, deceased) and Rosaire (Steve) Morgan (deceased). Father of Scott (Christyne) Gillis and Heather (Danny) Polson. Grandfather to Keegan Polson. Son in-law to Edward and Lilian Deschene (deceased). Brother in-law to Al, Irene Deschene, Theresa, Steve Dannenfelser, Rosanne Inglis (deceased).
Charlie was the love of my life, we were married for 52 years. I promised to take his ashes home to McKinnon Harbour, Cape Breton to be interred near his Mom and Dad in the cemetery on land donated by his family. "ciumhnich air na daoine bhon t'ainu get thu" ; Remember those you came from.
Charlie, I think of you with a smile on your face, free at last to ride your BMW over the rainbow. Charlie, I love you forever and will miss you until we meet again. Love always, Bonnie.
Vigil / Prayers will be held on Friday, September 30 at 7pm at Christ the King: 1599 Tunner Drive, Courtenay, BC.
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 1 at 12:30pm at Christ the King.
Reception will be held 1:30-3pm behind the multifaith centre at Rose Annex: 1445 Military Row, adjacent to the base arena. Livestream can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIh1Ft9nyxE
Service Details
7:00 PM