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Gillis, Michael David
, age 49, died suddenly on Wednesday morning, January 20, 2010, at his home in Millis.
Born in Boston on August 19, 1960, he was a son of Michael A. and Pat (O’Keefe) Gillis of Millis. He was raised and educated in Millis.
Michael had been employed throughout Massachusetts for several years, primarily in the food and wine industry and in carpentry, prior to moving to Oahu, Hawaii twenty years ago. While there he continued his education and established a massage therapy practice. He returned to Millis this past September and had most recently enjoyed working with his friend, Phil Marcou at Very Beautiful Things.
A loving son, brother, and uncle, he is remembered for his engaging personality, his devotion to his many friends, his dedication to environmental issues, an encyclopedic memory and voracious appetite for reading. He had a strong propensity for sharing his opinions with others. Michael had a great love for the ocean and particularly liked sailing and kayaking. One of his fondest memories was time spent on an expedition aboard the Sea Shepherd several years ago.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Lori Giandomenico and husband David of Walpole and Janine Schultze and husband Craig of Millis; a brother, Matthew J. Gillis and wife Lily Eynon of Gloucester; his nieces and nephews, Alexandra, Kristina, Caroline, Sam, Rocco, James, Andrew, Hunter, and Hayley; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visiting hours will be at the Roberts-Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Miller Street, Medfield, on Sunday 2 – 5p.m. A private family service will be held at a later date.
If desired, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, P.O. Box 96059, Washington, DC 20090-6059 or the Millis Senior Center, 900 Main St., Millis, MA 02054.
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| Guest Book: |
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| Al and Winnie Blais |
(wnnblais@aol.com): |
Our hearts are aching. We love you
Michael. |
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| Donna Cabibbo & Family |
(gallinaroja@verizon.net): |
| So sorry for your loss. |
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| Matthew S. Dykhoff |
(MDykhoff@Comcast.net): |
| So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. |
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| Terri (Clewes) Garry |
(tmgarry@hotmail.com): |
| I am so sorry for your loss. |
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| Barbara and Walter Madden |
(wmadden1@comcast.net): |
| While on our honeymoon in Hawaii, Walter and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few days with Michael - we went out for dinner, and he also took us for a sailboat ride and showed us the "real" Hawaii. These are great memories, and we feel fortunate to have been able to spend that time with him. |
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| Kevin Walsh |
(kwalsh2@hawaii.rr.com): |
I'll really miss my wise, kind and brilliant friend.
A sad loss for his friends in Hawaii as well as family and friends in Mass.
Aloha oi, Michael. |
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| Judy Adams |
(marybethkhoury@yahoo.com): |
God Bless Michael. We send our love and prayers to all of you. May the memories of Michael comfort you and bring you peace.
Love, Judy and Frank Adams |
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| Joe and Evelyn Signorello |
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| We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son; our nephew Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. |
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| Auntie Nan & Uncle Richie |
(RNCTrust@aol.com): |
| We were both saddened to hear of Michael's death. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to all of his family and many friends both here and in his beloved Oahu, HI. His life here on earth was all too short. |
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| Anne (Collins) Gadbois |
(3coolcats@cox.net): |
| Janine, I so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. |
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| Laura McHayle |
(lauramchayle@yahoo.com): |
Do not stand at my side and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds
in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my side and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
" Michael, I will always see you"
Love Laura |
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| Robyn Garrettr |
(robynne826@aol.com): |
| my beloved cousin, i will miss your sweetness, your love of debate and making me think twice...playing army guys in the backyard of 2 clewes...the forts, the laughs...swimming in grams pool...family reunions..i will miss you my sweet cousin....rest in peace...Robby |
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| Julie Signorello Dane, Michael, Amanda and Lily |
(jasiggi@yahoo.com): |
| We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. |
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| Emily Parker |
(Emily_Parker@nobles.edu): |
Janine and Lori
I am so sad to hear about your brother, Michael. We are feeling your loss and sadness and are here for you, if you need us. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Emily |
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| John Enomoto |
(john@gobananaskayaks.com): |
| Mike and I sailed catamarans and did kayak camping trips in Hawaii. He loved living in his beach house and sailing off of his back yard. We also had a couple of great camping trips on the island of Maui. He will be missed by his friends here in the islands. |
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| Patty Quinlan |
(bustaboysmom@comcast.net): |
| Pat-My thoughts and prayers are with you. |
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| Thomas + Isabel Murphy |
(izzy671941@aol.com): |
| Dear Micheal and Pat were so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you and your family |
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| Liz Chadwick |
(lchadwick@keefeins.com): |
| I am very sorry for your loss. I did not know Michael, but reading the Guest Book, I can tell he was a wonderful man. The reason I read this obiturary & guest book was because of the donation request to Sea Shepherds. It is such a worthy cause-I am glad to know Michael & his family recognize this organization. This year, my donation will be made in Michael's honor. Take care |
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| Danielle Schropp |
(danielle@schropp.ch): |
| Michael, I miss you. Danielle |
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