Lawrence Duncan Gillis of Truro, Nova Scotia passed on Thursday, October 9 at the age of 73 in Colchester Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.
Born in Stewiacke, raised in Gillisdale, Cape Breton, he was a son of the late John A. and Bertha (Grant) Gillis.
Gillis began his work as a woodsman, later working for Sproule Lumber until 1976. After this, he worked as security for the NSAC until 1995. He enjoyed horse racing as a fan and then as an owner.
Gillis was a member of the Truro Harness Horse Owner's Association (THHOA) and Standardbred Canada (SC). One of Gillis' most memorable horse was the pacing mare Fair Arrow. Fair Arrow had a successful racing career for Gillis and her offspring has been productive for his family. Gillis' passion for the sport has proceeded on to his sons and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons, Duncan "Joe" (Arleen), Kevin (Julie), both of Truro; grandchildren, Christina, Michael, Chantel, and Kyle; sisters, Louise and Bernadette, both of Sydney; Catherine, British Columbia; brothers, Michael, Allan, Brian, Howard, all of Inverness; Douglas, British Columbia. He was predeceased by his wife, Beverley Ann (MacAloney); sisters, Mary-Anne and Geraldine; brother, Raymond.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and a memorial service on Tuesday, October 14, at 2 p.m., both in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Family interment in Bible Hill Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. On-line condolences may be made at www.colchestercommunity.com.
Please Join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Lawrence Duncan Gillis.
(With files from The Chronicle Herald)