GILLIS, Raymond Nelson Gillis

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Raymond Nelson Gillis on March 1st 2026.

Loving Partner and Husband to Jonelle
Amazing Father to Tyler & Andrew
Dedicated son of Ray & Linda Gillis
Guiding older brother to Cyril

Nelson had a love for music and shared that love with his sons. One of his favorite bands was Rush, but he loved many bands. He took the opportunity when he was younger, to go to many concerts and brought the boys to them as they got older. One Christmas present that he gave to the family was a concert by Classic Albums Live – The Last Waltz. We all had such a great time.

One of his biggest joys was watching his sons play the drums, guitar, bass and sing, he was so proud of their talents. And, he was even more proud of their hearts and love for family. When the boys would practice at the house, they would encourage Nelson to sing a song or two – he was a really good singer. Once he won a singing contest at a bar singing Oh Canada. He was doing very well but then kicked it up a notch, by
singing some of it in French. The whole bar erupted and needless to say, he won the contest.

Nelson was also dedicated to helping the boys with sports. He never missed one of their hockey games and coached them as well. Despite playing hockey quite competitively when he was young, he did not push that on them, he just wanted them to have fun. When Tyler was playing, he would take Andrew around the arena looking for pucks to keep him occupied – we still have some of those pucks.

Nelson enjoyed all sports with a special place in his heart for the Minnesota Vikings. He had the opportunity to see a few games in his younger years with some friends from “The Hood”. He was also a Toronto Maple Leaf and Blue Jay fan and enjoyed watching the Jay’s make it to the World Series.

The Gillis and Lucchitta families adored him. He never missed a Gillis family reunion in Cape Breton, or a special event for his nieces and nephews. His nieces and nephews called him “Uncle Freeroller” because he always gave – never said no. If they asked, he would give it to them, from little gifts to sneaking them junk food. Every year he played Santa with pride for over 20 years even when they all knew it was him. It would
take several pillows to try to fatten him up and he would be sweating, but he loved it. It was even more amazing to see his two sons carry that tradition on, each playing Santa over the last two years.

He had a zest for life and was always up for some fun. We had many years of playing cards at our dining room table, as well as adventurous drives to Cape Breton Nova Scotia and he was the best person to drive with. He was always willing to stop and check something out. From the trailer park where the Trailer Park Boys was filmed, to the longest covered bridge in New Brunswick and the Confederation Bridge to PEI –
Nelson was always up for an adventure. Every time we stopped to get gas, he always came back with some new treat. He would say “I got something new, something hip, something rock’n on the street” and the boys would both laugh and be intrigued.

He was also a master on the BBQ. His ability to cook various meats, veggies and get them all just right was amazing. Because he loved to keep people guessing, he invented “The Mystery Dish” which was a dish he made and only he knew what it was. Even his wife didn’t know what was in it. He loved to entertain. Even while BBQ-ing, he would still kick or throw a ball around. And always having music playing.

During his last days, Nelson shared that he had no regrets. He lived life well. Travelling as a couple and as a family. He was so dedicated to his family – ALL of his family. He taught his sons to be loving, caring, responsible men and showed them what a great husband, father, son, brother /in law, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend should be. He truly was a great man and will be missed dearly!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.