Roy J. Gilliss

In Loving Memory of Roy Gilliss

1936 – 2026

Roy John Gilliss of Napan, New Brunswick, passed away at Percy’s Place, with his family by his side, after a sudden and brief illness on May 19, 2026, at the age of 90. 

Born in Napan, New Brunswick, on February 11, 1936, he was the son of the late Archie and Jennie (MacInnis) Gilliss.  Roy worked at Campbell's Corner Store, Maritime Trailer Sales, Bremner Farms, and retired as Supervisor of the Roads and Grounds Division at CFB Chatham when it closed.  He was an active member of Carmel United Church, Napan, and was active on several boards and within the community of Napan for many years. He was an avid card player and will be missed by those special friends.

Roy is survived by four daughters: Darlene (Darrell) MacDonald of Napan Bay, Penny (Rejean) Hebert of Pointe-Sapin, Patty (Tim) Taylor of Napan, and Sandra (Jim) Berscheid of Lincoln, New Brunswick;  two sons, John (Brenda) Gillis and Kirk (Tanya) Gillis, both of Napan; one son-in-law, Ron Melvin of Napan; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters: Helen (late John) MacDiarmid  of Napan, Bea (late David) Leslie of Miramichi, and Diana (late Ellery) Tucker of Fredericton; one brother, Archie (Elwanda) Gilliss of Fredericton; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Roy was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Anita (Parks) Gilliss; daughter, Nancy (Gillis) Melvin; son, Donnie Gillis; two infant granddaughters, Sara and Samantha MacDonald; as well as his sisters: Ruth (Late Roger) Starsja, Velna (Late Lloyd) Mills, Laura (Late Walter) Watling, and his infant brother, Brydon.

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The funeral service was held at Carmel United Church, 795 South Napan Road, Napan, New Brunswick, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Charlene Maguire MacKnight as officiant.  Music for the service was recorded music and included "Here I Am, Lord", Down By the Riverside", "When I Get Where I'm Going", and "The River".  The Lighting of the Christ Candle was by grandsons, Tyler and Dylan.  Lighting of the Memory Candle was by granddaughters, Jillian and Holly.  The eulogy was by granddaughter, Lisa.  Scripture readings were by granddaughter, Jodie, and grandson, Danny.  A special poem "Thank You for Being Our Dad" was read by granddaughter, Jenny.  The Honorary Pallbearers were  Allen Gilliss, Betty MacDermaid, Billy O'Donnell, Blaine Dickson, Earl Dickson, John Dickson, John MacKnight, Nora Dickson, Phillip Holland, Randy Jardine, Ray O'Donnell, Roland Dickson, Stanley O'Keefe, and Terry MacDonald.  Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Miramichi, New Brunswick. Following the interment, the family held a reception for all at the Napan Hall.   

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Percy’s Place, Napan Agricultural Show, or Pine Grove Cemetery would be appreciated by the family.

The family would like to thank the staff of 4 West at the Miramichi Regional Hospital and Percy's Place for their exceptional care of Roy.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1N 2N9, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

 "Where Dedicated People Care"

Est. 1956

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