Norman Gillis |
| Posted 2009-09-29 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, April 20, 2006 Norman Gillis, 75, of Las Vegas, passed away April 8, 2006. Born Dec. 17, 1930, to Gertrude Nelson Gillis and Daniel Reid Gillis Jr., in Prescott, Ariz. Norman enjoyed his early childhood in Prescott. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where Norman earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He also raised livestock and won several awards for his efforts. Norman joined the U.S. Navy in 1948, at 17 years of age. He served his country honorably for 21 years. During his military tour he was stationed in California, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Japan, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Canal Zone. Over his career in the Navy, Norman worked in different fields. He helped retrieve practice torpedoes in Hawaii, worked for Naval Security in Washington, D.C., maintained electrical sub stations in Japan, and worked as head of the transportation branch and public works department in the Canal Zone. He retired from the Navy while in the Canal Zone as a chief petty officer. While in the Navy, Norman received numerous letters of commendation for his outstanding performance of duty and service. He also received the National Defense Service Medal and five Good Conduct medals. Following his retirement from the Navy, Norman went to work for the Panama Canal Company. He retired as a supervisor in the air conditioning and refrigeration division. Following his retirement, Norman and his wife remained in Panama until 1996, when they moved to Phoenix. Norman and his wife moved to Las Vegas five years ago. Norman, a mason since 1962, was a 33rd degree mason. He was active in the Scottish Rite at The Valley of the Orient at the Panama Canal and ABOU SAAD Shriners organizations. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Donna; daughters, BarbaraMcCarthy of Phoenix and Betsy Gillis of Las Vegas; and son James Gillis of New Orleans. Norman is also survived by his son-in-law, Michael McCarthy; and daughter-in-law, Julie Gillis; grandchildren, Sean and Sarah McCarthy and Daniel Gillis; brother-in-law, David Doench; nephews, Alan Gillis, David, Greg, and Chris Doench; niece Leslie Muir; and several great nephews and nieces also survive him. He was predeceased in death by his son, John Gillis. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460. Information provided by survivors. |
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