Obituary of Bernard Gillis

72, of Grafton, Kings Co, formerly of Hantsport and Dartmouth, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009, with his loving family by his side, having lost a courageous three year battle against cancer. Born September 14, 1936, in New Waterford, Cape Breton. Bernie was a son of the late Duncan and Margaret (Cameron) Gillis. He was predeceased by brothers, Leo, John D., Martin and Angus. Bernie is survived by sisters, Peggy (Noel Vanderlinden), Dominion; Lois (Donald O'Quinn) Ogunquit, ME; brothers Duncan (Frances) Toronto; Alex (Prudence), Halifax; Hugh (Denise); James (Pearl); Dannie, all of New Waterford, and many nieces and nephews. Bernie is also survived by his former wife of 39 years, Barbara Fletcher (Wilson). A loving, kind and generous father, Bernie will be sadly missed by daughters, Brenda Lee Gillis, Fredericton, N.B.; Belinda (Greg) Pulsifer, Grafton; and Tammy Davison, Hantsport. Grampie will never be forgotten by grandchildren, Marissa, John and Lauren Morse; Bernie, Ryan, Brittany and Dexter Pulsifer; Rhianna and Matthew Davison. He will live in the hearts of his children and grandchildren forever. Bernie learned to play the piano at the age of three on his mother's knee. His love of music and in particular playing the piano has carried through nearly 70 years and Bernie was immensely proud that all of his daughters play the piano and that nearly all of his grandchildren play either piano or guitar. Pianist in a popular orchestra during the 1960s and 1970s, Bernie played in many of the popular dance halls in greater Halifax. Friends and family will fondly recall the countless hours of entertainment that Bernie provided at the keyboard. Bernie's first employer was the Bank of NS in New Waterford in 1956. By 1959 he had left Cape Breton Island for Halifax where he began employment with Border Brokers. In 1963, he joined Redifon Canada working there until 1977 when he accepted a position with Minas Basin Pulp & Power in Hantsport until his retirement in 2001. Bernie became a certified piano tuner in 1983 and actively tuned pianos in the Annapolis Valley until 1995 when he limited his tuning to those of friends and family. The job was not complete until a few tunes were played for the customer - often the tunes were many. Bernie volunteered as an assistant scout leader in Hantsport and truly found his calling volunteering to assist the elderly through Lifeline and often through playing piano at Senior Citizens homes. Bernie enjoyed reading and any form of handyman work (carpentry, plumbing, electricity, drywall, etc). Many hours were spent playing cribbage with his weekly crib club buddies in Hantsport. Travel to faraway places as well as local touring with a motorhome were loved by Bernie but his favourite place was at home with his family. Bernie had a wonderful sense of humour and a very positive outlook on life. He brightened the days of those around him even at the darkest of times. Fondly remembered for his kind, gentle and generous spirit, Bernie will be sadly missed. He touched the lives of many, often without realizing it, for he was also a very modest and humble man. Cremation has taken place and visitation will take place from 7 - 9 pm Thursday March 26, in the H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home, 192 Commercial St, Berwick, N.S., B0P 1E0, (902-538-9900), from where the funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m., on Friday March 27. Rev. Father Craig Christenson officiating with burial in the Berwick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Red Cross, the Victorian Order of Nurses, Annapolis Valley Branch or to the Margaret Salsman Cancer Care Patient Navigator Memorial Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca