GORDON ALEXANDER GILLIES

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GORDON ALEXANDER GILLIES On November 27, 1999, at St. Boniface Hospital, Gordon Alexander Gillies, age 91, of Beacon Hill Lodge, joined the Army of our Lord. Dad was born on May 15, 1908 in Elgin, MB, the second eldest of four sons of Malcolm and Martha Isaac Gillies. Dad grew up and farmed in the Souris-Margaret area of Manitoba. Dad came to Winnipeg in the "Dirty Thirties", to work at various jobs, prior to the Second World War. During the Second World War, Dad had joined the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry; he fought for Canada overseas for four years in England, France, Holland, Belgium, and parts of Germany. He was very proud of the fact that he had served with the Engineering Corps, setting up the pontoon Bailey bridge, over enemy waters. This allowed Canadian armoured equipment and personnel to easily cross into enemy territory. After the war, Dad worked several years as a taxi driver for Moores Taxi; then as an equipment operator for the CN Express Department located at The Forks, where he retired in 1973. Dad and Mom had lived at 733 Bannerman Avenue for a number of years. Next time you pass by the corner of our former home, take note of the maple tree Dad had transplanted from our backyard. Dad moved to the Bruce apartments on Notre Dame Ave. in 1961, where he resided until moving to Beacon Hill Lodge in March of 1999. Dad loved to play bingo at the old Young Street Legion. He loved horse racing at the Assiniboia Downs. He spent many hours taping, painting, and polishing his 1969 Ford Galaxy. Dad is survived by his brother Malcolm, at Lions Manor on Portage Avenue, his son Barry (Michelle) of Winnipeg, daughter Diane (Dr. Frank Labadie) of Bemidji, Minnesota. He also has a grandson Dr. David Labadie and granddaughter Jennifer, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a nephew Ken Gillies of Calgary. Gordon was predeceased by his wife Anne in 1956, and two brothers Clifford and Ken. A private family service will be held. Friends who wish to remember Dad may donate in memoriam to the charity of their choice. The family would like to express thanks to the staff on the 9th floor at Beacon Hill Lodge, for their care and assistance during his brief stay. We would also like to thank the staff of the B4 ward of the St. Boniface Hospital. No more sickness, pain, walkers or wheel chairs; but a final reunion with friends, family and Mom after 43 years. WE LOVE YOU DAD!!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 1999