February 28, 1935 – April 20, 2025
Reg passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born in New Waterford Cape Breton, NS and it didn’t take long before his life brought him to many different places. Reg obtained his first job working at the INCO nickel mine in Sudbury, ON. At 16 years of age, he joined the Canadian Army. Reg always joked that one day he was working 4000 ft underground, and 6 months later, he was jumping out of planes at 1200 ft. He referred to this as; the highs and lows of work life. Reg’s military service was with the PPCLI and later with the Provost Corps. His theatres of service included Canada, Far East, Continental Europe and Cyprus. His medals include United Nation Service Medal (Korea) United Nations Medal (UNFICYD) Canadian Forces Decoration also awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal. After retiring from the military, Reg moved his family to Burlington, ON and began his career with Ford Motor Company in Oakville, ON for the next 19 years. His forever home was located in the Western Communities on Vancouver Island, BC.
Reg was a loyal member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 57 years and was awarded a Life Member of the BR 91 in Langford, BC.
Reg was predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years Maria Jean Gillis, and his son, William (Bill) Gillis. He is survived by his son Robert (Bob) (Lynne), his daughter Brenda (Richard) and his grandchildren Ryan, Kelsey (Brent) their sons – great grandchildren – Deacon, Dawson and Hayes, Charles (Sophie), Spencer (Taylor), Jackson (Maya), also friends who became family Tim and Barb, in addition to the many friends met along the way.
From 1935 to 2025, for Reg, life was filled with many incredible moments and adventures. Anyone who spent time with him would be rewarded with great stories and an abundance of history, which was a passion of his. He spent much of his retirement volunteering; Reg was first to line up when anyone need a hand or help. There are no words to articulate how proud we all are of him; his absence will be difficult to navigate as he was such an important part of our lives. There will be no funeral held at Reg’s request. Family will be escorting him back to Ontario to be laid to rest with his wife and son.
We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mark Sherman, and his staff for all he did to get our Dad to 90 years old.
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