GILLIS
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Chalmers Gillis on September 16th, 2026, at the age of 72. Donald was born on August 30th, 1954, in Little Judique Ponds. Donald will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 49 years, Eveylena; his children, John (Bea) Gillis, Kelly (Shane) Lynch, and Mark (Chelsea) Gillis; and his beloved grandchildren, Brody, Grayson, Carter, Rhett, Sarah, Leo, Emma, Wyatt, and Maribelle, who lovingly knew him as “Gumpy.” Being Gumpy was one of Donald’s greatest joys. Donald is also survived by his sisters, Sheila (David) MacDonell, Judy Gillis; brother, Darrell (Denise) Gillis; sister in-law, Charlene (Francis) Sutherland and brother in-law, Ed MacDonald. He will also be fondly remembered as Uncle Donald by his many nieces, nephews and extended family. Donald was predeceased by his parents, John Hector and Helen Gillis; sisters, Sharon Gillis and Mary Margaret Gillis; mother and father in-law, Charlie and Mary Belle MacDonald; and brother and sister in-law, Neil and Karen MacDonald. Donald was a hardworking man, fishing lobsters for over 40 years, while also working as a carpenter and labourer in many parts of Canada. He especially loved his time in the Northwest Territories, but his favorite was the rush of a fish on while fishing tuna. He was committed to his community, being a proud member of the Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department since 1988. He also found great joy in coaching hockey, helping coach a team to a provincial championship was like winning a Stanley Cup to him. Remembered for his hearty laugh and welcoming nature, Donald had a special way to make everyone feel valued. He showed kindness to all who crossed his path and was always willing to lend a helping hand in exchange for a story or joke. Above all, Donald was a family man, nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren. They knew there was always a place for them beside Gumpy – and very often could be found with a baby happily settled in his arms. His home was at its best when it was full, his family near and laughter filling the room. His strength, compassion, sense of humour, hearty laugh and lives he touched will be carried on through all those who loved him. The memories he created and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever. In every summer boat ride, every family gathering, every card game, every familiar song, and every good laugh, there will be a little reminder of Donald – husband, Dad, Gumpy, brother, uncle, and a friend to so many. Until we meet again, as Donald would say, “We’ll be talkin’.” Visitation will be held at the Port Hood & Area Resting Place on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass to be held on Friday, September 25th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood. Donations in memory of Donald can be made to Port Hood & Area Resting Place, the Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
MacDONALD
Alexander Daniel “A.D.” MacDonald: It is with broken hearts, that we announce the passing of our beloved Papa, A.D., on September 15th, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. A.D. was born in Inverness on June 13th, 1948, to the late Alex Joe (Iain) and Catherine (MacNeil) MacDonald. He is survived by his wife, Marie (Timmons); children, Luke (Vanessa), Iain (Melissa), Krista (Jimmy); grandchildren, Lincoln, Quinn, Ella, Carter, Danny, Alex, Liam, Rosie and honorable grandchildren, Marley and Alexa; and their mother, Shannon. He is also survived by his siblings, John R., Frank (Therese), Maria, (the late Joe) Feehan, Alice and Danny (Lorna); many nieces and nephews and the Timmons Family. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Charlie; and in-laws, Archibald and Elizabeth Timmons. A.D. lived a life marked by compassion and deep devotion to his family. During his journey of 78 years, he touched many lives with his love and kindness. He had the wonderful gift of being able to make everyone feel special. He loved telling (long) stories, listening to old country and western tunes, going for walks, working in his yard, instant coffee, ju-jubes, Marie’s baked sweets, the Color St. Rose Red, and above all, spending time with his grandchildren. His favorite place was the Inverness racetrack where he drove, trained, and passed on his passion for harness racing. As we grieve A.D., we acknowledge the gifts he left us “be kind, love one another and take one day at a time.” The family would like to thank the Inverness Hospital for the wonderful care given to A.D. during his brief illness. Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. with funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. in Stella Maris Church, Inverness. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oncology Department at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
MacLEAN
Florence Beatrice (MacKinnon) MacLean, July 2nd, 1942 – September 14th, 2026 (age 84), Orangedale, NS: It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our precious Mom and Nanny, Florence “Flossie” MacLean, who passed away peacefully at home in Orangedale on Monday, September 14th, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Family was everything to Flossie. She was born and raised on Whycocomagh Mountain, where she earned her fierce and loving nature. Though she worked in a few places along the way, her best and most treasured work was in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Flossie eventually met the love of her life, Ralph, and together they built a wonderful life in Gillis Cove with their three children. They later moved to Orangedale, where they built their current home, which truly became a place of comfort, love, and gathering for all of their family and friends. Nanny Flossie loved her trips to town so she could shop. She had a deep affection for animals and wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and going to bingo. She was an avid gardener who spent much of her time tending to her yard, garden, and home, ensuring it was always a special and inviting place for all who visited. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Linda, Vincent, and Lisa (John); her grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan), Patrick (Andy), Adam (Trinity), Michael, Kyle, Arthur (Lena), Jenelle (Angus), and Chelsea (Simon); and her great-grandchildren, Savannah (Dylan), Mitchell, Hannah, Brody, Brayden, Cassie, Maggie, Rosie, Emily, Iver, Angus-Arthur, Flossie (her namesake), Billy, and Cameron. She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings, Louise (Stephen), Lorna (Dougie), and Charles; as well as her many nieces, nephews, and extended family, including many lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph MacLean, whom she mourned deeply since his passing in 2019; her parents, Charlie and Hannah MacKinnon; brothers, Gordon and Herman; her granddaughter, Ashley; her special grandmother, Vinina Harvey; and her cherished fur babies, Bo and Brat. The family extends a special thank you to her healthcare team, including Dr. Lafrance, as well as the continuing care and palliative care teams, for providing such compassionate support. A graveside service will be held at the Gillis Cove Cemetery on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m, under the direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. A reception will follow at 1159 Orangedale Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to your local SPCA. Rest easy, Nanny Flossie. We will love you forever. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.