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RENE MAURICE GILLIS Obituary pic

RENE MAURICE GILLIS

Born: Sep 25, 1931

Date of Passing: Aug 26, 2021

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RENE MAURICE GILLIS
September 25, 1931 - August 26, 2021

One month short of his 90th birthday, Rene Gillis died peacefully in the early morning of August 26, 2021 at Actionmarguerite Saint-Boniface. Rene was predeceased by his father Maurice, his mother Julienne, and his grandson Tomas Marcoux.
Self-taught camper and chauffeur, storyteller extraordinaire, hotelier, businessman, believer in God and extra-terrestrials, long-time member of AA, Rene was a dedicated Catholic and a man of strong opinions.
He will be deeply missed by his six children and their spouses: Renée (Peter), Judy (Robert), Michael, Cheryl (Mike), Lisa (Gino), Val, and by his wife Valerie. His memory will remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Jessica, Mikey, and Leah Gillis, Christopher and Stephanie Lacasse, Joelle, Pip, and Tessa Marcoux, Julienne, Eric, and Stephane Lemoing, and Cristelle, Emma and Zoé Buissé. With his open heart and sense of humour, he enjoyed every stage of watching his grandchildren and his eight great-grandchildren grow up. He will also be missed by his younger sister Janet Van Elslander and her family.
Rene worked many years as a hotel manager and owner, first with his father at the Windsorian Motor Hotel in Winnipeg, and later the Headingley Motor Inn and the St. Laurent Motor Inn. In the 1960s, he piloted the family Buick, towing a trailer and loaded with two adults and six kids, on summer road trips to the Rockies in the West, through the northern states, and east to Montréal. We will remember his love for Ray Charles and Satchmo, his insatiable appetite for chocolate, his bad French, and the comical nicknames he invented for each of us. And his slogan: ten commandments, twelve steps.
The family offers warm thoughts to his friend Stella Black at Actionmarguerite, and extends sincere thanks to the nursing staff of Unit 3ABC for their diligent and patient care of Dad for the last two years.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of Rene's life will be planned at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2021

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

  • Thanks to all who have sent their thoughts, prayers and condolences, Gramps will be deeply missed, he was such a great mentor, friend, father and leader of our clan, even though at times he could be extremely stubborn and hard headed, he had a heart of gold and would do absolutely anything for his wife, daughters, son and grandchildren (especially if it put a smile on our faces). Bye gramps, we love you, hope to see you again soon in eternity. - Posted by: JESSICA GILLIS (Granddaughter) on: Sep 10, 2021

  • To the entire Gillis Clan my heartfelt condolences to you all. He was of a great generation who lived by their own rules. Take solace in your memories and let the strength of family be your guide. - Posted by: jackie dragojevic ( née MacIver) (Family friend ) on: Aug 31, 2021

  • Thinking of you all. He was quite a character. I always enjoyed our visits and his stories. - Posted by: Trisha Olson (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2021

  • Thinking of the good times we had together - our trip to California with Mom and Dad - VAL and DOn. Also to Europe with the same crew. We had many new experience s and so much fun on both trips. Our beginnings in the little town of Fort Whyte - the little school with one room and where you taught me to ride a bike. We moved around quite a bit - ended living on Kingston Row where we started our new lives . You married Val and raised 6 children and I married Don and raised 4 children. we were quite a group when we got together.-our lives became very busy but we still managed for many years to get together for Xmas. Sending my deepest sympathy to the family. Love you all very much, Janet - Posted by: Janet VanElslander (Sister) on: Aug 28, 2021

  • Uncle Rene's passing conjours up happy memories of cousins, as kids, meeting up on a Sunday afternoon - First at The Winnipeg Hotel, to jump around on that old red furniture. And then later at The brand new Windsorian, just happy to run around the banquet halls and beverage room! My thoughts are with today, so sorry for your loss. Peace Gary Van - Posted by: GARY VAN ELSLANDER (cousin) on: Aug 28, 2021

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