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EMIL AUGUST GILLIES
Date of Passing: Mar 16, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryEMIL AUGUST GILLIES Emil passed on March 16, 2018 at home, aged 96. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, sons, Stephen and Christopher, daughter-in-law Dee, grandchildren, Matthew and Michael, and extended family. Born in Winnipeg of Icelandic immigrant parents, Emil grew up in the difficult years of the Great Depression, attending school and working in his father's store. During the Second World War he served in the RCAF, flying in missions to support the French resistance. What he learned from the Depression and the war, combined with his love of the liberal arts inspired him to become a teacher after the war. He enrolled in the Winnipeg Normal School and met fellow student Evelyn Kuchta. They married in 1952 and started a family. Emil went on to teach English for 35 years, mostly at Churchill High School. After retirement he enjoyed a quiet life with family and friends and was a regular at the Duke of Kent Legion. Ever intrigued by people and their stories, he remained an avid reader and keen observer until his final days. Emil's wit, wisdom and kindness will be sadly missed. A memorial celebration for friends and family will be held in April. Please call 204-661-5115 for information.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2018
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I am honored to have met my great uncle Emil and some of the beautiful extended family over the last decade. As my grandfather's brother, it was a family connection for my daughters and I that we will always treasure. I will always remember the kind bright blue eyes, the soft heart and sharp wit. Our condolences to Evelyn, Christopher, Steven and their families. With love, Dona, Samantha and Hope Watts-Hutchings - Posted by: DONA WATTS-HUTCHINGS (Great niece) on: Apr 14, 2018
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A terrific teacher....To Kill a Mockingbird....such a gift. Fondly remembered. - Posted by: Wendy Freund Summerfield (Student) on: Apr 01, 2018
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My condolences to Mr. Gillies family. He was an inspiring, amazing teacher who did his best to instill a love of language in all his students. His kind words of encouragement were always appreciated. And yes, Mr. Gillies, I always discouraged my children from using "yeah" & "nah" instead of yes and no, and spoke to them as people; no baby-talk! (Usually...😉) - Posted by: Krista Hope-Tindall (Van Slyck) (Student) on: Apr 01, 2018
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I will always remember Mr. Gillies as the teacher who taught me to love words; their origins, their rhythms and, most memorably, their correct spellings. He had a handwriting that was flawless and unmistakably his own; hundreds of students probably have samples of it on the Award certificates that he must have spent hours writing their names upon. Sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Raymond Sokalski (Student) on: Apr 01, 2018
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An excellent teacher, I have many fond memories of being in his class. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Robin Borse (Student) on: Mar 31, 2018
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Mr Gillies remains one of my favourite teachers from high school. I grew up in a family that instilled a love of reading and he introduced me to new authors and genres that I might not have picked up on my own. My condolences to his family through this difficult time. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher Mr Gillies. - Posted by: Caitlin Kowall (nee Topping) (Student at Churchill High School ) on: Mar 31, 2018
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Mr. Gillies instilled a deep love of writing in me and encouraged my career choice in design and architecture. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Teresa Garside (nee Dodds) (Former student ) on: Mar 31, 2018
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My condolences to Evelyn, Stephen, Christopher, Dee, Matthew, and, Michael. Emil will be greatly missed. It was an honor to look after Emil, a very sweet man. - Posted by: Christina Van Somer (Caregiver) on: Mar 31, 2018
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My condolences to the Gillies family. I was fortunate to have heard some of Emil's life story from him, often over an after work beer. - Posted by: Dennis Fenton (former colleague and friend) on: Mar 31, 2018