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
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Mary and Alex MacNeil
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Terry Moser Sorry to hear this sad new. Condolences to his family. Shawn and I served with the Esquimalt Military Police. Enjoyed his humour. RIP
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Alex Makrodimitras 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
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Duff Goodwin RIP Brother
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Marie Yanchak 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!!!
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Norman and Rosita Gillis 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.
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Robert ROY 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.
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Philip Robillard Shawn was a great friend and colleague. I considered him a brother with a heart of gold who never hesitated to be there for me in times of need. One memory that stands out is when I broke my leg while walking my dog, Dexter. Shawn picked me up at the hospital, took care of Dexter, and helped with household chores. Around this time, he also played an integral role in helping plan my retirement. Shawn will be truly missed. RIP my Brother. My sincere and deepest condolences to Shawn’s family, friends, and colleagues.
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Margaret Stevens Co-Director Langford ESS Langford Emergency Support Services is very saddened to hear of Shawn’s death. We send our sympathy and condolences to the family in their loss of a lovely man.
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Jill Romanchuk On behalf of Langford Emergency Support Services, our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Shawn was a dedicated and loved member of our ESS group, always willing to help out. He stepped down as a volunteer with us in February 2021 just shy of 5 years of service. May you Rest In Peace.
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Anne Mac lellan Our deepest condolences to all the Gillis family. May he rest in peace.
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Doug Pack Condolences to the entire family. I met Shawn in 2003 when we were both selected for sentry duty in Ottawa. We shared many a laugh then. So sorry to hear this.
Doug Pack, Sergeant Major (Ret’d)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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Brad bryan I will miss you Shawn you always made my day at hd and Ess. My thoughts are with your family.
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TiGuy and Erin Belanger Shocking news for both of us. Our Condolences to all of his family. Shawn was a great guy and fun to be around, and will no doubt be sorely missed. RIP my friend.
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Ann(MacInnis) & Herb Callahan Prayers are coming your way on Shawn’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
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Scott Baker RIP, We lost another good one. We will miss you. You were always a pleasure to be around. Condolences to the family. Sending Prayers and hugs
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Eileen Bourgeault Sincerest condolences on your loss of Shawn. He is safe with his mom and dad! He did a lot
In his young life and will be remembered well.
May he Rest In Peace! He passed a great legacy to his family ! God bless!
Eileen (cousin from Cape Cod$
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John Cooke Nothing need be spoke of about our times together brother, you and I know them well. I’ll never forget all the shenenigans together with Chris and the boys from the trade. I will miss you Cheamus. You were everything a good man should be. RIP my friend.
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Valerie Charters Sending my condolences I’m so very sorry for your loss. Shawn was a very kind and friendly man, i met him in Vernon in 1992 through my brother Earl. Prayers and hugs across the miles …journey well Shawn thank you for always having my little brothers back! Val xo
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Rosalyn Bird My condolences to Melanie, Hannah and Bryce. Shawn was force to be reckoned with! A gentle giant, loved and admired by anyone that had the beautiful fortune to call him a friend. Shawn’s smile, laughter, and “ cure all hugs “ will be greatly missed. I’m sure the light that surrounds you brings peace and is as beautiful as you were my friend. Sending your family love, light and strength. With Brave Wings He Flies, Be Free My Friend.
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Jean Slick My sincere condolences to all of Shawn’s family, Melanie, Hannah, and Bryce, as well as Mary Elizabeth, Nelson, and Allan, and extended family. The news of Shawn’s passing is truly heartbreaking. I was one of Shawn’s professors and the program head when he was doing his MA in Disaster Management at RRU. Shawn was passionate about learning and was so eager to find a way to leverage his military experience in a new way. He brought so much to the program and his classmates were enriched through his participation and contributions. I will always remember his smile, sincere hugs, and caring nature, as well as thoughtful and intense discussions. Rest in peace Shawn.
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Jerald & Cathy Miller Heartfelt sympathy to you all. May he rest in peace.
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Greg Losier My deepest condolences on Shawn’s passing. Many years ago, we worked together at the MP Det in Esquimalt, and we reconnected briefly over coffee and fine cuisine at FOB Graceland in Kandahar back in 2012. Professional, competent, hard working and a genuinely good man, taken from us too soon. RIP brother.
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Debbie Towell Shawn had truly the biggest heart and those hugs, wow! I remember parking at Westshore Mall with my daughter and stepping out of my car to look up and see that Shawn had spotted me. He came over and gave me the biggest hug ever. We chatted for a while, I can’t remember about what, then he gave me another enormous hug, saying “Great to see you”. My daughter asked me, “Who was that?” I said, “That’s Shawn – he has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known”. I miss you terribly Shawn and I will forever miss those hugs.
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Kirk Fowler My sincere condolences to Melanie, Hannah, Bryce and the Gillis family. Shawn you were a great friend, an amazing man inside and out. The memories I have of you will be forever cherished. You are greatly missed already. Rest easy brother we love you. RIP Shawn.
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Gord Fearn Me deepest condolences to Shawn’s family. Shawn was truly a wonderful guy who would do anything for his friends and family. Shawn you will be sorely missed my friend. May you Rest In Peace brother.
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Peggy and George Hurley My sincere sympathy to Shawn’s family Melanie Hannah and Bryce sister Mary Elizabeth ,brothers Nelson and Allan
Our hearts are broken for you all ,will keep you in our prayers Big Hugs
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Georgina, Kris and Gabrielle Josefsson Shawn, you truly are a force of nature. I say that because you had a deep impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving you . Kris, Gabi and I will remember you always and take solace in knowing you will always be looking out for us from wherever you are. We will miss those Shawn Gillis hugs but know that this is not goodbye, just farewell until we see you again . Go in Peace Shawn . Our condolences go out to Melanie, Hannah , Bryce, Mary Elizabeth, Nelson and Allen. Know you always have a place in our hearts and our home and that Shawn will live in in you all.
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Clare Sharpe The museum was lucky enough to have Shawn come to work in our workshop for several years while he was transitioning out of the Forces. He made every day a happy one with his good cheer and kindness towards other workshop employees who were also making the difficult adjustment to moving towards civilian life. Shawn always had a gentle way about him, a word of encouragement if you were down, a joke or a story or something to make things better. He was the best friend you could ever ask for and a wonderful craftsman who took such pride in his work. He made the museum better and he made our lives better, missing him terribly.
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Gerard & Joan Ferguson Our deepest sympathies Melanie on the loss of your husband,Shawn and the father to your children .We met Shawn over the years when visiting Donelda and Ritchie. He was such a friendly and easy going person.We also want to extend our sympathy to Mary Elizabeth,Nelson and Allan on there loss of their brother. May he rest in peace.
Gerard & Joan Ferguson
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Bert Pasqualotto My deepest sympathies to Shawn’s family. I am devastated by the news of his passing. He was a valued and supportive friend for the time I knew him. I wish we would have been better at staying in touch, but I’m thankful for as much as we were able to stay connected. I always enjoyed our series of calls throughout the years because the opportunity to speak with Shawn always resulted in a good laugh. I will miss him. He was one of a kind.
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Sean MacIsaac Our deepest condolences to the Gillis family,
Your loss is our loss as well, and Shawn will be remembered as the hero that he is.
With all love and respect
Sean and Elisabeth MacIsaac ( Montreal)
Fois shiorraidh dha anam
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Michelle Gillis Melanie, Hannah and Bryce
I know yesterday was a long hard day. Today will be even harder. I want to send my love to you all. I will have you Melanie forever in my heart and the children as well. Thinking of you today XOXO
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Rob and Tina Coldwell Condolences to Shawn’s wife and family. May he rest in peace.
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Edward R Morris I’m sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing, I’m very lucky to have known him for about 15 years, we did talk about the service what is was like during my time serviced as to when he was serving his time. I to will miss his strong hand shake and a strong bear like hug, or missing him in his garage as I drove by on my way to my youngest son Bill and BJ’s home. There will be a empty spot in the neighbourhood where I saw him last. The world is a better place because of him
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Brooks Hogya I know Shawn as an academic. We did our masters together at RRU and I have many fond memories of working together on school projects, studying, or just hanging out for a drink after class. I’ll miss you my friend.
My deep condolences to his wife, children and his entire family. RIP brother.
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John & Emina Cook So sorry to hear about your loss, I have not seen Sean in over 20 years but I remember he was always fun to visit with when we would go to Nova Scotia when I was young. Send my condolences to his wife & children — From John Cook & family
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Yannick Gagné R.I.P my friend. I’ll miss you.
Condolences to the Family
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Karen Nelmes Rest in Peace brother. My condolences to the family. Sending Namaste vibes to your time in healing. Karen Nelmes
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Kim Strandlund So sad and sorry to hear this news. Mel, Hanah and ,Bryce huge huge hugs to you all.
Shawn will always be in our hearts and will be so missed. Xo
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Jay Maynard Shawn,
What to say that hasn’t been said? It didn’t matter how much time went by without seeing you, your greeting was always warm and kind and a handshake was never good enough for you. I’ll never forget those hugs and advice given from a good place without judgement. You exemplified the term “brotherhood”. Love you brother.
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Darryl Bean Condolences to all of Shawn’s family, they will be in our thoughts.
Shawn, I can’t express how much you will be missed by me, all your friends and of course, your family. You were one of the good guys Shawn and I will always remember all the times you helped me out, even at a moments notice you would be there. You had a good heart and were a fun guy to know. It was a pleasure knowing you. Rest In Peace my friend.
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Kurt Wagner and Jenica Cluff Sending our condolences to the family.
Shawn, there was never a dull moment when you were around. You will be truly missed and never forgotten. Spread your wings my friend. Say hi to Rosie for us. I’m sure she is at your side to welcome you. We love you so much.
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Arnie (VTwelve) Van Lambalgen My sincere condolences to Shawn’s Family.
Shawn and I sailed together on the Algonquin in the MSE Department
in 2002. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help others out.
He was hard working and a pleasure to be around.
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Phil Rideout Condolences to Shawns family. It was an absolute honour to serve next to you. You were a man’s man. Rest easy my friend. You will be missed.
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Shipmate My deepest condolences to Shawn’s family, a very difficult loss for you all and especially his wife and children. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed.
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Alex Robin Shawn, you were such a great man. During the time I spent with you onboard Regina, your demeanour and great sense of humour help carry me through some tough times in my life. I will cherish those memories. My condolences to your family. So long my friend.
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Susan MacFarlane My condolences to Nelson and all the family, may he Rest In Peace.
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Jolene La Hay Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Shawn. I met Shawn on the Algonquin, during Op Apollo. He was a bit like a big brother to me during that trip. Shawn truly was one of the good ones. RIP brother.
Paul and Jolene La Hay
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Mike Sending my condolences. I will pray for your family . Rest in peace sir.
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Patrick Gagnon Shawn you were such a great guy, friend, husband and father, you always spoke so fondly of your entire family. I truly enjoyed every conversation we ever had. To your family, I just want you to know that during every trip there was no doubt who the most important people in his life were. You were the reason he always had a smiled on his face. He was more than respected and loved by all of us.
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Janice Ferguson So very sorry to see this news:(:( Richard & Donelda, my deepest sympathy & the same to his wife & children. From reading this obit he obviously was a very special man, soldier, son, husband & dad. Prayers, hugs& caring going your way.
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Teresa claus Steve and I are so very sorry to hear this. He was a great friend and we will miss him so very much. Our love and thoughts to the family.
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Marvin & Debbie Burke Sincere condolences to Shawn’s wife and family, to his sister Mary Elizabeth, his brothers Nelson and Allen, and all the Gillis families. Shawn was a great man who will be deeply missed. Our thoughts, prayers and love to you all. Rest In Peace Shawn.
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Douglas Neufeld So sorry to hear this news. Shawn and I sailed on the HMCS Regina together were we meet and became friends. We had some great memories sailing and a few more on Peal Harbour. You always had time to help out everyone. My thoughts are with your family and friends. RIP brother you will be missed.
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Bill Cole Shawn, you have always been a very giving and true to the heart man, We served together & you will always be my brother. Take care my friend and all my best to your family.
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Deanie House Rest In Peace Shawn. I had the good fortune to work with you and be friends in Victoria. To Shawn’s family and friends, it is my opinion if you knew Shawn you had to love him. His smile, his jokes, his laugh, his loyalty and his sheer determination and hard work made him as special as he was. My sincerest condolence go out to all of you. I am glad to have had a Shawn Gillis grace my life.
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Yanick Letourneau You will be missed Shawn.We love you big brother. See you on the other side x
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Chris Robinson Shawn, I am thinking back at the laughing and smiling face that always lit up the ship from day to day. I have wonderful memories of you that I will never forget. My condolences to the family, sending prayers and love to everyone at this difficult time. Be kind to yourself going forward as that is what Shawn would have wanted.
Sincerely
Chris Robinson
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Darcy Ross Shawn,
What can be said for a man as genuine as you…. Your passion, love, and friendship was one that will live on. You were a great friend, brother, father, and husband that we all strive to be. I’ll miss you my friend, I’ll miss your sense of humour, your whit, and your questions as an answer. You were a class act!
Love you pal!
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Rosie Deagle (Inverness CB) Sympathy too Shawn’s Family and friends I know his Mother from Inverness CB RIP Shawn
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Salvatore Di Biase R.I.P My Brother.
Condolences to the Family.
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Thomas McClung An honor to have known you Shawn, some say if you are remembered youbare never really gone..I hope that is true. Sleep well, you will be missed
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Joe Smith I have no words to describe how I miss you, larger than life with an even bigger heart. You are my brother in all the ways that matter. I love you brother. My heartfelt condolences go out to Melanie, Hannah and Bryce. I hope they can take solace in knowing how loved their father was by all his friends.
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Norman Ogger You were a friend and a brother who gave the best hugs and loved to laugh. You are a legend and will be missed by everyone who had the luck to meet you. My heart hurts at our loss of your presence in this world. My condolences to all of your family.
R.I.P. Shawn
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Stephen Rice Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I crossed paths with Shawn several times thru our careers and I found him to be a very dedicated MP. May he Rest In Peace.
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Heather Petti Deepest condolences to the whole family.
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Rick St-Onge So sorry to hear about Shawn’s passing. We worked together in Esquimalt back in the early 90’s when Shawn was with the Military Police. He was always there for you when you needed him always willing to lend a helping hand, or he would often simply drop by for a coffee and a chat. He will be greatly missed. RIP Shawn. I will miss our chats.
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Lucas Eigan So sad to hear that you are gone. Nothing else to say. Goodbye my friend. Goodbye my brother. Until we meet again…
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Wilson and Pearle Timmons Our sincere sympathy to Mary Elizabeth ,Brian and all the Gillis family on your great loss!!
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Dione Rankin My deepest sympathies to his loved ones, he was a true hero.
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Judy (MacPherson) Morrison Sincere condolences to Shawn’s Wife & children. To my cousins Mary Elizabeth. Nelson. & Allan my heart is broken for each of you. God Bless each of you. Shawn was a great guy. He left behind great memories. Sending love to all the gillis cousins & Shawn’s dear wife & children
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Mary MacInnis To all the Gillis family please accept my deepest condolences. No words can ease your pain but I hope my prayers will lessen the pain. May Shawn rest in peace.
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Doreen Livingstone Sincere condolences to Shawn’s family on the loss of a husband, father, brother,uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. I hope the memories help to give you peace at this sad time. Thinking of you all.
Doreen Livingstone
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Billy and Josephine Mac Donnell Sending our condolences to Shawn family may he RIP e will be loved and missed always
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Earl Charters Shawn, I already miss you so much. I’ve cried a lot of tears and more to come. Also laughing at a thousand happy memories of you. I love you Brother. Earl friend
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Stefanie Stokner So sorry to here this news. Condolences to his wife and children and all his family. Sending prayers and hugs to all.
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.