Donald Gillis Passes

Trot Insider has learned that longtime Port Hood horse owner and breeder Donald Bernard Gillis, 78, passed away on Saturday, February 25 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gillis’ enthusiasm for harness racing took he and his wife, Marie, all over the Maritimes. He put Hawthorne on the map by naming his horses under the banner name ‘Hawthorne’ with all his family and neighbours’ names on his horses. Hawthorne Danny was the most notable, as he raced all over the Maritimes as a preferred class pacer in the late ‘80s. Gillis would also be found at most of the racetracks in the Maritimes watching his two sons in their driving endeavours. Once you met Gillis you were ‘his bud’ for life.

Gillis is survived by his sons; Johnny, Rodney (Ellen) and Danny; daughters Lisa (Brian), Mindy (Jeremy); siblings, Mary, Elaine, Marge, Helen, and Archie; grandchildren, Brett, Logan, Marli, Jake, Jamie, Bailee, Maria, Maddie and Jack. Gillis was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Marie (November 2016); siblings Neil, John, Archie, Anne Marie, Catherine, Christina, and Genevieve.

Gillis’ remains will be resting at Port Hood Resting Place with visitation on Tuesday, February 28 from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Parish Church at 11 a.m. on what would have been his 79th birthday, March 1. Interment to follow.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Donald Gillis.