Obituary of Alphonse McGILLIS

Alphonse Peter McGillis of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the age of 87 years. Alphonse was born on November 15, 1925, in Willow Bunch, SK, to parents Théophile and Rosa (nee Beston) McGillis. He was one of seven children, and a twin to Rosaire, who was also known as Danny. Alphonse and Danny were very close and when they grew older they travelled and worked together at various jobs. In the winter of 1957, Alphonse met Alice Fouquet and they were married in August 1958. Alphonse and Alice moved to Moose Jaw, SK, where they started a family. They were blessed with five children, Joann, Dan, Suzanne, Colette and Lise. Alphonse’s children were his pride and joy, and many evenings were spent on the couch with them tumbling over him, or having a sing-a-long while Alphonse played the guitar. In 1961, the family moved to Gravelbourg, SK, where they rented a house. In 1965, Alphonse and Alice bought their first home, and in 1967 they renovated and made an addition to their house. Alphonse was a handy man, and he and Alice did most of the work on their own. Alphonse liked to hunt, fish and camp, and many vacations were spent camping with the family. Alphonse enjoyed a good hockey game and spent hours watching his son Dan, and later his grandsons, play hockey. He was always willing to be a model for the girls so that they could practise hair styling, manicures and pedicures on him. Alphonse will always be remembered for his kind heart and sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Alphonse is survived by his loving family, daughter Joann Allen, granddaughter Andrea, great grandchildren Dustyn and Kadyn, granddaughter Daniela, grandson Bradley, great granddaughter Taylor; son Dan (Marnia) McGillis, grandson Bryce (Samantha), great grandson Dreyden, granddaughter Melissa (Dylan), great granddaughter Leylah; daughter Suzanne (Chris) Anderson, granddaughter Chantelle (Aaron), great grandchildren Tiarra, Avery, Isaiah, Jaxson, grandson Michael (AJ); daughter Colette (Wilfrid) Toupin, grandchildren Tenessa and Tanner; daughter Lise McGillis, grandson Tyler, great grandson Lyric, granddaughter Amanda; mother of the children Alice McGillis; sister Albertine McGillis. Predeceased by his parents Théophile and Rosa (Nee Beston) McGillis; sister Rose Eva Gosselin; brothers Maurice McGillis, Rosaire "Danny” McGillis; step-sister Albina Heagy; step-brothers Emile Heagy, Philip Heagy. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, with Father Joseph Strohhofer celebrant. The eulogy was shared by Ray Fouquet. Cross bearer was Bryce McGillis. Readers were Melissa Hoskins and Tenessa Toupin. Prayers of the Faithful were shared by AJ Hillier. Offertory gifts were presented by Daniela Allen, Amanda Hall and Tiarra Eason. Soloist Henri Lepage was accompanied by organist Leona Bourgeois. Honourary pallbearers were Tyler Hall, Daniela Allen, Dustyn Allen, Kadyn Crites, Taylor Allen, Tiarra Eason, Avery Eason, Isaiah Eason, Jaxson Eason, Lyric Dietrich, Melissa McGillis, Amanda Hall, Dreyden McGillis and Leylah Hoskins. Active pallbearers were Tenessa Toupin, Tanner Toupin, Andrea Allen, Bradley Allen, Chantelle Anderson and Michael Anderson. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Alphonse to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550 12th Ave., Regina, SK S4P 3X1, were greatly appreciated.