Shawn Richard Gillis, aged 51. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Shawn Richard Gillis. Shawn
passed away on November 28, 2021 in Langford, British Columbia. He was born on July 28, 1970 in Inverness, Nova Scotia to Richard and Donelda Gillis and raised in South West Margaree (Gillisdale).Shawn grew up on the east coast in Cape Breton. He loved the Margaree area and particularly his homestead in Gillisdale, Margaree. Later in life, his work took him to Victoria where he fell in love with the west coast and found the love of his life in 2005. Shawn and his wife Melanie Crowe have two beautiful children, Hannah and Bryce.
Shawn was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved.
His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often proudly mentioned. He was endlessly proud of Hannah and Bryce, always supporting them. He loved his family and being a family man meant everything to him. Shawn was also a passionate world traveler, hiker, woodworker, block party planner, motorcycle enthusiast and veteran.
Shawn was a gentle soul with a big presence. He loved his friends and would greet them with his famous Shawn hug; a warm embrace full of love. He would do anything for a laugh and always enjoyed a good dare. Anyone that truly knew Shawn, knew he had such a big heart. He’d give anything to help out whether it be the shirt off his own back or the money in his wallet. He always gave more than he would let anyone ever give to him.
He showed up when it mattered, he had your back, gave to those in need, and would defend and stand up for his loved ones if the need ever arose. He kept us safe. An old friend epitomized Shawn’s life well in a social media post stating, “they say that while some climb mountains; others are carrying them. Each step must take an immeasurable amount of strength. So, when I think of you. I will choose to see the hero inside, the warrior.” Other friends say that when the world was crazy, they knew they could count on Shawn as he was a protector and their guardian. People who crossed paths with Shawn were touched by his kindness and humour. Shawn had a way of making those he encountered feel important and special. Shawn’s humour talent came in handy often, as even when you were mad at him he’d find a way to make you laugh. He was truly a peacemaker and source of positivity.
Shawn poured his heart and soul into his work. People who worked with Shawn absolutely admired him. There truly wasn’t anything that Shawn couldn’t do, he was a ‘genius.’ This work ethic was instilled in him from a young age by his parents. Shawn’s dedication and commitment to his work was second to none.
Shawn was an active member of the military community from a young age. He started with the 35 Service Battalion, Cape Breton Highland 2940 Cheticamp Cadet Corps. He was a member of the Military Reserves in Sydney, Nova Scotia and then joined the military after graduating from Cornwallis Military Academy. Shawn’s first posting was with the military police unit at CF Base Esquimalt BC. He went on to be involved with the Criminal Investigation Section as an Investigation File Case Manager, Patrolman, Security Investigation Section as an Investigator and eventually a Hull Technician, all at CF Base Esquimalt BC. Shawn was part of many tours and missions in his military career including, Ipperwash 1990, the Oka crisis 1995, and the Iran and Afghanistan wars.
He was a well-decorated soldier, earning the awards of Land Forces Commanders Commendation in 1995, Joint Task Force South West Asia Command Commendation in 2002, Chief of Defense Staff Recognition in 2010, Special Operations Task Force 58 in 2010, and The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In 2003 Shawn was honoured to be selected as a Guard of Honour in the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, ON. In 2014 he retired from the Canadian Forces after 25 years of loyal and dedicated service to his country. One of Shawn’s biggest accomplishments after his retirement was earning his Master’s of Arts Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Royal Roads University.
Shawn loved fiercely and deeply and we all take comfort in knowing that Shawn is now at peace surrounded by light. Shawn was predeceased by loving parents, Richard and Donelda, his grandnephew Callum James and his adored four-legged companion Cheyenne.
Shawn leaves behind his wife, Melanie, daughter Hannah, son Bryce, sister Mary Elizabeth (Brian), brothers Nelson (Crystal) and Allan (LeeAnn), his nieces and nephews; Chelsea (Ciaran), Shane (Jenna), Zachary, Cassie, Lynda (Lee), Hillary (Justin), and grandnieces and grandnephews Annika, Quinn, Liam and, Isabella.
A celebration of Shawn’s life will take place in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4. For those unable to attend in person, please send a message to shawngillismemorial@gmail.com to receive online viewing information.
Public Visitation, Monday December 6th from 7-9 pm, and Funeral Service will take place Tuesday December 7th, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Floral arrangements can be sent to McCall Gardens and/or memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/wounded-warriorsca/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
77 Responses
Shawn, you truly are a force of nature. I say that because you had a deep impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving you . Kris, Gabi and I will remember you always and take solace in knowing you will always be looking out for us from wherever you are. We will miss those Shawn Gillis hugs but know that this is not goodbye, just farewell until we see you again . Go in Peace Shawn . Our condolences go out to Melanie, Hannah , Bryce, Mary Elizabeth, Nelson and Allen. Know you always have a place in our hearts and our home and that Shawn will live in in you all.
The museum was lucky enough to have Shawn come to work in our workshop for several years while he was transitioning out of the Forces. He made every day a happy one with his good cheer and kindness towards other workshop employees who were also making the difficult adjustment to moving towards civilian life. Shawn always had a gentle way about him, a word of encouragement if you were down, a joke or a story or something to make things better. He was the best friend you could ever ask for and a wonderful craftsman who took such pride in his work. He made the museum better and he made our lives better, missing him terribly.
Our deepest sympathies Melanie on the loss of your husband,Shawn and the father to your children .We met Shawn over the years when visiting Donelda and Ritchie. He was such a friendly and easy going person.We also want to extend our sympathy to Mary Elizabeth,Nelson and Allan on there loss of their brother. May he rest in peace.
Gerard & Joan Ferguson
My deepest sympathies to Shawn’s family. I am devastated by the news of his passing. He was a valued and supportive friend for the time I knew him. I wish we would have been better at staying in touch, but I’m thankful for as much as we were able to stay connected. I always enjoyed our series of calls throughout the years because the opportunity to speak with Shawn always resulted in a good laugh. I will miss him. He was one of a kind.
Our deepest condolences to the Gillis family,
Your loss is our loss as well, and Shawn will be remembered as the hero that he is.
With all love and respect
Sean and Elisabeth MacIsaac ( Montreal)
Fois shiorraidh dha anam
Melanie, Hannah and Bryce
I know yesterday was a long hard day. Today will be even harder. I want to send my love to you all. I will have you Melanie forever in my heart and the children as well. Thinking of you today XOXO
Condolences to Shawn’s wife and family. May he rest in peace.
I’m sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing, I’m very lucky to have known him for about 15 years, we did talk about the service what is was like during my time serviced as to when he was serving his time. I to will miss his strong hand shake and a strong bear like hug, or missing him in his garage as I drove by on my way to my youngest son Bill and BJ’s home. There will be a empty spot in the neighbourhood where I saw him last. The world is a better place because of him
I know Shawn as an academic. We did our masters together at RRU and I have many fond memories of working together on school projects, studying, or just hanging out for a drink after class. I’ll miss you my friend.
My deep condolences to his wife, children and his entire family. RIP brother.
So sorry to hear about your loss, I have not seen Sean in over 20 years but I remember he was always fun to visit with when we would go to Nova Scotia when I was young. Send my condolences to his wife & children — From John Cook & family