Click Here To Watch The Funeral Service for R. Evans Gillis

Gillis, Roderick Evans – 92, Pugwash, N.S., passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, at the North Cumberland Health Care Centre, Pugwash. Affectionately known as "Ike" by many,  he was born in Pugwash and was the oldest child of the late Mark and Jean (Goodwin) Gillis.

Following high school Evans went to Business College before going to work at the family business "M.A. Gillis and Sons," later known as "Gillis's Family Clothing and Footwear".   Evans was invaluable to his Dad and handled all business bookkeeping with diligence.  Many in the community would remember the famous summer store sales, for which Evans was always present and involved.  Evans was also the owner and operator of "Gillis Sales Agency", providing many lines of quality men's clothing to independently owned stores throughout the Atlantic provinces.  He strongly believed in supporting local before it was understood as a social movement and over the course of his long career as a travelling salesman Evans built a trusted network of friends and colleagues throughout the Atlantic region.  His bi-annual trips to Newfoundland were a highlight.

In his prime he was active in community affairs serving as a Justice of the Peace, as a member of Wesley St. Matthew's United Church and a part of several July 1st Gathering of the Clans preparations.

For many years he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying ATV trips with friends, deer and duck hunting, and snowmobiling.  He also enjoyed books and was a supporter of the local library.  In recent years Evans could be found with the morning coffee club in deep discussion at Sheryl's Bakery, solving the world's problems. Perhaps most importantly he found joy in harness racing and spent many hours with horses at the Sports Pugwash barns and taking in races throughout the Maritimes.  One of his most adored past times was playing crib in his garage (or anywhere for that matter) with his son Lee, brother Al and any other friends who felt like losing.   We sincerely thank the nurses and medical staff at the North Cumberland Health Care Centre for the compassionate care provided to Evans throughout his time there.  Most of all, our whole family holds deep gratitude to his wife Carol for the loving care she gave him during their marriage, and especially these last few years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Vicki Gillis (Michael Waram), Pugwash, Sue (Jason) Browne, Angevine Lake, Jennifer (Robert) Blier, Ottawa; step daughters, Joann (Todd) Patriquin, Roslin, Sonia (Brad) Nix, South Pugwash; Barb March (common-law spouse to son Lee), Amherst; Tara Doucette (former daughter-law, son Lee), Fox Harbour; grandchildren,  Derek Gillis, Blair Gillis, Amber Gillis, Ally Blier, Liam Nix, Logan Nix, Corbyn Patriquin, Grayson Patriquin; great grandchildren, Kendall and Shay Gillis, Lilah and Memphis Patriquin; sister, Carol Spicer, Dartmouth; brother, Botsford Gillis, Berwick; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Cora (Rogers) Gillis; son, Lee Gillis; and brother, Allison Gillis.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Mundle's Funeral Home, Pugwash. The funeral service will be held at 2:30pm January 2, 2025 at Wesley St. Matthew United Church, Pugwash. Rev. Dr. Dale Skinner officiating. Family are invited to attend the burial at the Palmerston Cemetery, following the service.  In honour of his late son Lee, Evans would want donations to be made to Lung NS-PEI or Heart and Stroke Foundation.