RONALD JOHN GILLIES

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RONALD JOHN GILLIES It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the unexpected and sudden death of Ronald John Gillies, who passed away at the Grace Hospital early on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at the age of 80 years. Ron will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Alda; and by his sons, Gary (Luba) and Robert. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Johanna and Murdoch and in May, 2005 by his brother Donald. On June 23, 1925, Ron was born in Winnipeg and attended school here. During the Second World War, Ron trained in the Canadian Air Force as a gunner and navigator on the Lancaster bomber. He played football with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1945 and then moved to the United States, where he was drafted into the American Army and served as a Drill Instructor in Texas and California. Later, Ron attended Columbia University in New York, where he acted in plays Off-Broadway. Returning to Canada, he served in the Canadian Army during the Korean War as a Personnel Selection Officer. In August, 1951, he married Alda, after meeting her at the Downtown YMCA. Ron graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1953 and practiced law in Winnipeg for many years. His interests included the Downtown YMCA, the Cancer Society, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Liberal Party. Ron was also active in local politics and was elected to the St. Vital School Board, St. James School Board and St. James City Council. Ron was a kind and generous person who lived a full and interesting life. He loved to talk and often told stories of his life whenever encouraged. A private family funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's All Beliefs and Faiths Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Ave. at Sharp Boulevard with Chaplain Joy Andrusiak officiating. Interment followed in Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Our family would like to thank Dr. Brent Armstrong and the staff of Grace Hospital. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the staff of Tower 7, Deer Lodge Centre for making Ron's last years comfortable and happy. Donations in Ron's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Ron's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2006