Donald “Donnie” Paul Gillis

              1961-2021

Donald “Donnie” Paul Gillis of Napan, NB, passed away at his home on Friday, October 15, 2021, at the age of 59.

Born in Newcastle, NB, on November 23, 1961, he was the son of Roy and Anita (Parks) Gillis.

Donnie worked as a long-time employee at Bremner Farms as a Parts and Service Coordinator for over 30 years. He then worked at Dynaco and was self-employed in later years. He was an adherent of Carmel United Church, Napan.

Donnie was the heart of our family, always ready and willing to help others. He seemed to especially love being needed. He was the best of us, we are absolutely heartbroken having lost him. 

Donnie was always busy, only stopping to rest on Sundays (like father, like son). In his younger years, he enjoyed driving tractor-trailers and having the nicest cars and trucks. 

He loved being outdoors and snowmobiling. He loved to spoil the young ones, his nieces and nephews. Though not much of a talker in a group setting, he loved to hold conversations around the supper table and in the quiet evenings. If you wanted alone time with Donnie, you had to go to the woods or the hayfield and work alongside him (these were the best conversations). He always had such a gentle calmness about him and a special talent for explaining how things worked (how to drive a tractor in 5 seconds or less). His kindness and generosity towards his family and community will not be forgotten. He loved to torment just to provoke a response and get a smile out of people, and really enjoyed a good prank. He was an amazing son and a great comfort to his parents. In recent years, he worked alongside his brother, John, and his buddy Joey (thank you, Joey, your presence made his days brighter).  Donnie enjoyed the social aspect of his work, he had such a respect for farmers and hardworking individuals and had gained many lasting friendships through work. 

Donnie was truly one of a kind, a great man in all the ways that matter. 

You were ours. And we will miss your smile, your voice. Your beautiful soul.

WE WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS. 

He will be sadly missed by his parents, Roy and Anita; four sisters: Darlene MacDonald (Darrell) of Napan Bay, Penny Hebert (Rejean) of Pointe-Sapin, Patty Taylor (Tim) of Napan, Sandra Berscheid (Jim) of Lincoln, NB; two brothers: John Gillis (Brenda) of Napan, and Kirk Gillis (Tanya) of Napan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ronnie Melvin of Napan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Donnie was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Melvin.

A private graveside service occurred at Pine Grove Cemetery with The Rev. Charlene Maguire MacKnight as Officiant. 

Please Note:  As per Government of New Brunswick COVID-19 regulations, masks are required in public spaces, and physical distancing is to occur during outdoor gatherings.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Autism Resources Miramichi, or Miramichi Mental Health Services would be appreciated by the family.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone (506) 773-3492, or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

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