Joseph Gillies

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad on July 9, 2025, at the age of 85. He left this world peacefully, with family by his side, surrounded by love.

His life a journey and a collection of memories: from his youth in Prince Albert, to summers in Choiceland, to his time with the army, and years spent living in British Colombia and Manitoba. Eventually settling in Langham Saskatchewan where he raised his family and ran a small engine repair shop in Saskatoon. Along the way, he loved, he disciplined, he inspired, with each of his children truly sharing a relationship with him uniquely their own.

He didn't have much to give, but what he gave was everything: unconditional love, a quiet kind of support that never interfered, and a work ethic strong enough to have us all showing up for each other.

Dad was a hard worker who found contentment fishing on his days off-a dancer with moves, so we're told by the eldest siblings. Sentimental to his core, he treasured every trinket, every child's card, every hand-drawn masterpiece proudly displayed or safely tucked away. And while his famously gruff exterior may have startled outsiders, those close to him knew: his bark always outpaced his bite. His humour had an edge, but we knew that was his way of saying, you're my "favorite"

If you ever heard someone spelling "B-E-D" on loop, you were either listening to a championship spelling bee, or more likely-you'd wandered into the Gillies home with two parents and seven kids all quarreling or acting "thick as thieves".  We will miss him deeply, but his stories, his lessons, our laughter and memories will keep us up long past bedtime.

Joseph's legacy is not measured in riches but in laughter, acceptance, lessons, and love.

He is survived by his sister Bev, his children- Wanda, Anita (Randy), Richard (Vicki), Jo-Anne (Jerry), Brian, Darla (Chris), and Debbra (Ron); his grandchildren - Sheldon, Kameron (Emery), Michael (Sarah), Warren, Rachel (Dalton), Jacob (Cali), Tanner, Alexus, Micaela, Sarah and Preston; and a lively crew of great-grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Henry; siblings Donald, Gordon, Herbie, Deanie; nephew Robbie; and the cherished Aunt Kay and Uncle Lornie who shaped much of his memories and joyful summers. 

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, the family warmly invites you to a come-and-go gathering to celebrate his life on Sunday, July 27th from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Please join us to share a fond memory, a funny story or simply spend a moment honoring our dad, Joseph Norman Gillies. 

If you would like to attend, kindly reach out to Darla Janzen or Debbra Roach.