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Robert Gillis Obituary
WOLFEBORO -- Robert J Gillis, 82, died April 19, 2009, at Mt. View Nursing Home, Ossipee.
He was born June 21, 1926, in Bellows Falls, Vt., to Charles and Margaret (Gallager) Gillis. He attended Bellows Falls High School, where he was an All-State football player. He earned a B.S. from Adrian College in 1949 and a M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1950 and a D.P.E. from Springfield College in 1965. He wrote his dissertation on the effect of ingested water volume and temperature on the body weight loss, cardiac cost and body heat storage of football players.
He was employed at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, from 1956 to 1986.
His tireless service and dedication to his profession were widely known among his family and friends.
His most pleasurable moments were spent enjoying the natural beauty of New Hampshire.
His family includes his wife of 55 years, J. Zita Gillis of Wolfeboro; a son, Grayden J. Gillis of Sumpter, S.C.; a daughter, Janet K. Gillis-Lariviere of Wolfeboro; and two granddaughters.
SERVICES: There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Wolfeboro Center Cemetery, Wolfeboro.
Lord Funeral Home, 23 Club Lane, Wolfeboro, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gillis
5 Entries
Bethany Knight
May 6, 2009
Dear Zita:
Sitting here in Bangalore, India, where I do volunteer work in the winter months, your name popped in my mind. I Googled, and here was the news of Bob's passing. I was one of your dorm director's at Adrian in 1973-75; remember the laughs when you two came to our Halloween Party the wrong night, all dressed up?! I was Bethany Kaiman then. I still use your sour cream cranberry coffee cake recipe, which I promised to not make in Adrian! Since 1978, I have lived in Vermont (our small world, huh?) in the far north. I send my love to you. I know you have a lifetime of grand memories; you were always the gracious hostess on campus, and a wonderful wife to a hearty fellow. I send my love to you and your family. May you find peace and strength in the coming days. Love, Bethany
Moira Griffin
April 24, 2009
Zita & family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope Bobby's having a good laugh with Nana & Peg right this minute.
Tom Harty
April 22, 2009
I always looked forward to the Gillis' visits to Bellows Falls.In 1965 I took a trip to Adrian to stay for a few weeks with the family where Bob was teaching at Adrian College. We then drove back across the country to Bellows Falls. I'll always remember that trip. I'll always remember "Uncle" Bob showing up at Nana's and her spoiling him!
Fran Coyne
April 22, 2009
As a boy growing up in Bellows Falls, I would hear adults discuss the outstanding student athletes from BFHS. The name Bob Gillis was always mentioned. He was also part of the " pipeline " from BF to Adrian College. Bellows Falls High School has lost one its finest. Rest in peace, Bob Gillis.
Michael Griffin
April 22, 2009
My Uncle Bobby Gillis took me to an 8-week boys' camp in Wolfboro, NH, in the summer of 1951. The camp was tough but it helped change me for the better. Uncle Bobby now joins his sisters Mary Gillis Griffin (my mother) and Margaret "Peg" Pintello (my aunt) in God's Heavenly Kingdom. God Bless them all!
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