Inverness Oran Deaths courtesy of CAPE BRETON GENEALOGY & HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE - <http://www.cbgen.org/ <http://www.cbgen.org/>>www.cbgen.org <http://www.cbgen.org/> NEW MEMBERS WELCOM Inverness Oran Obits May 18, 2016 Wednesday There were 2 obituaries published today GILLIS, HAROLD JOSEPH - 80 YRS MACDONALD, ALEXANDER “SANDY” - 83 YRS GILLIS Harold Joseph Gillis – a wonderful father, grandfather, retired truck driver, and avid Blue Jays fan – died on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016, at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Harold was born at home in Margaree Forks on September 12th, 1935, to James R. and Theresa (Tompkins) Gillis. The eldest of 12 children, Harold left home at 17 to join the Canadian Army. His mother died suddenly in 1958 leaving a young family without maternal support. Harold helped out financially ensuring the family never went without. His siblings often thanked him years later for his generosity that contributed to their ability to go on to higher education and successful careers. As a non-commissioned officer he spent his eight years in the Canadian Army; posted in Germany, England and the Yukon. He escorted Prince Phillip during a royal visit to Whitehorse in the 1950s and Harold had the opportunity to take him fishing. Harold married his wife Geraldine on November 23rd, 1963, and together they had five children: Terri (Toronto, ON), Heather (New Glasgow, NS), Kathleen (Zenon Pk., SK), Holly (Dunrobin, ON), and Jason (Zenon Pk., SK). Harold went back to school while he had a young family to upgrade his education and became a welder. Harold’s career allowed him to work all over Nova Scotia including the Halifax Shipyards. His favourite job, however, was driving a pulp truck, working for John E. MacLean Enterprises for over 25 years. In retirement, Harold’s caring and generous persona was certain. Harold cared for his wife of 41 years when her health had failed, until her death in 2004. When relatives and friends needed assistance to attend medical appointments and run errands Harold was always willing to help, giving of his time and energy. Harold also spent time with all of his children, helping in any way he could. His grandchildren had an opportunity to have quality time with him and came to know his kind and generous spirit. Harold’s battle with pancreatic cancer was lengthy and he managed to beat the odds several times through his illness. His strength came from his healthy lifestyle; his four to five mile daily walks and from his faith in God. Harold is survived by his children Terri (Cyril) LeFort, Heather (Kevin) LeBlanc, Kathleen, Holly (Ken) Cox and Jason (Daniele); his siblings Jean Casey, Kaye Ruthard, Pat (Wayne) Harley, Rosemary (Keith) Bowers, Stuart (May), Douglas (Isabel), Kenneth (Carla), and Greg (Janet); his 12 grandchildren Kayla, Bethany, Hannah, Leah, Connor, Matthew, Jacob, Casey, Malcolm, Ranald, Marcus and Molly; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine; his parents James and Theresa; his siblings John Dan, Graham, and Gerald (in infancy); his sister-in-law Louise Gillis and brothers-in-law Peter Casey and Werner Ruthard. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, selflessness and humility, as well as his ability to cite any and all Blue Jays stats over the past 25 years. He loved his family very much and was proud of everyone’s accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Visitation was held on Friday, May 13th, 2016, in St. Michael’s Parish Hall in East Margaree. Funeral Mass was held in St. Michael’s Church, East Margaree on Saturday, May 14th with Father Barrett Clare- Johnson officiating. Memorial donations can be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com. My father...he didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. MacDONALD Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald passed away peacefully on May 10th, 2016, at Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston. Born on November 27th, 1933, in Judique, Inverness County. The son of the late Dan Lewis and Mary Jane (MacInnis) MacDonald. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Predeceased by D.R. (Catherine), Martha (Charles), Jessie (Alex F.), Sadie (Gerald), Catherine (Donald Alex), John Donald (Kay) and Annie Louisa (Howie). Survived by several nieces and nephews. He lived on the family homestead which was a gathering spot for many friends and family and he will be missed by all. He was retired from the NS Department of Transportation. An avid horseman, he spent many years harness racing at the Inverness Raceway. A member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Judique and a former member of the Judique Fire Department. Sandy rested in the Community Room of the Judique Fire Department on Friday, May 13th. Funeral Mass was offered Saturday, May 14th at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, Judique with Rev. Allan MacMillan presiding. Burial to follow at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Parish cemetery fund or the Judique Fire Department. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Green’s Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Messages to the family may be conveyed at www.greensfuneralhome.ca.