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
Our community family has lost too many wonderful people. Shawn will be missed but will live on in our memories. He was loved here in Gillisdale and was met in heaven by so many loved ones there. We offer our sympathy to his family and friends from our family.
Sorry to hear this sad new. Condolences to his family. Shawn and I served with the Esquimalt Military Police. Enjoyed his humour. RIP
Shawn,
Man, what can I say. You have been part of so much in my life. Whether it was our first tour on Algonquin or a time later in Afghanistan – you were always there. I know we lost touch after I left Victoria but you have always been in my thoughts. I’ll miss you Shawn.
Alex Makrodimitras
RIP Brother
SHAWN,
I will follow the P.O. Check!!
1. I will LOVE…, I will love our Friendship In & Out Of Uniform.
2. I will “NEVER FORGET YOU”, because you were a Dear Friend!!
We will reach out to your “Brother Nelson” who is 45 minutes away.
May you R.I.P. for you were everything good in this World. Our condolences to Ypyr Family & Friends. You will be dearly missed!!!
Our very deepest sympathies Mary Elizabeth, Nelson , Allen and your families as welll as to Shawn’s wife and children. What a huge loss! We send our love and prayers.
Robert (Skip) ROY
Shawn my very good friend, we’re so sorry to hear of your passing. My heart is breaking for your family. Such a good life having left us at such a young age. Shawn and I first met back in the 80’s at Aldershot, NS when he was a Res MP then later when we were both posted to Esqumalt BC in the 90’s. Always a gentleman and a gentle soul, always a person to lend a hand when needed. You will greatly be missed by your family and by all those whose life you have touched.