GILLIS, John Russell

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John “Russell” Gillis announces his passing on August 8th. Russell passed away at the Blanche River Health - Kirkland Lake Site at age 87. He was born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. 

Russell will be lovingly remembered by his nieces Brenda (Meron) Kohut & Marcella MacDonald both of Kirkland Lake, several nieces and nephews & great nieces and nephews of Nova Scotia. He was especially proud of his great great nieces and nephews Olli &Onna Kohut of Aurora, Colton & Leila Kohut of Kirkland Lake, Harrison, Griffin and Coco Elle Irish of Fort Myers, Florida, Allyson & Amelia Wojtus of Timmins & Jackson Harris of Ingersoll.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marcella and Alexander Gillis, 11 older siblings, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Russell moved to Kirkland to join his sister Rita (Alex) MacIntyre to pursue a career in mining. He was a quiet man with quick wit. He enjoyed walking, reading, cheering on Toronto Blue Jays & Toronto Maple Leafs. He provided entertainment in true Nova Scotia fashion, playing piano at many family gatherings. As per Russell's wishes cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Timiskaming Palliative Care in Russell's name. 

Many thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses and support staff at Blanche River Health and Shannon Carey at LHINS. A special thanks to Betty Smallwood who always went above and beyond to keep him comfortable. 

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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5 messages received

Families of Russell Gillis

He will be missed by all his friends here on Churchill Dr. R.I.P. Russell

Dianne Callahan, August 10, 2021

to the family of russell

my sympathy to the family the people at 42 churchill dr wil miss him he was a very nice man

francine charbonneau, August 10, 2021

Brenda, Marcella and families

My deepest condolences to you both and your family.

Doreen, August 14, 2021

Brenda, Marcella and families

Very sorry to hear of Russell passing. He always remembered us when we’d see him in town and have a nice little chat, sweet man! Please accept my condolences and prayers.
Love,
Cathy

Cathy Meagher, September 1, 2021

Brenda and family

So sorry to read about your Uncle Russell. I remember him at the piano. My condolences to you and the family. Lorraine

Lorraine Suppa Dagelman, September 7, 2021