Obituary for Bruce V. Gillies
Bruce V. Gillies, 79, longtime Auburn resident, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday, January 15, 2021. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 22 years, Gertrude C. “Gert” (Smith) Gillies, in 2012.
Born in Marion, VA, raised and educated in Auburn, Bruce was the only son of the late Victor and Florence (Desautels) Gillies. Upon graduating from Auburn High School in 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served proudly in the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, NC during the Vietnam War era. Bruce was honorably discharged in 1963, when he transferred to the Army Reserves. He began working for Norton Co. in Worcester prior to an extensive career at the Auburn Highway Department. Most recently, Bruce retired from Browning Ferris Industries as a service manager, after a two-decade career.
In his free time, Bruce loved hunting, fishing, and target shooting. He was also a skilled private pilot and trainer of raccoon-hunting dogs. A man of simple pleasures, Bruce always enjoyed his morning coffees on the front porch.
Bruce is survived by his children, James Gillies and his wife Tammie, and Suzanne Gillies, all of Auburn; his grandchildren: Bethany McIntosh, of Auburn, Rachel Gillies, of Glastonbury, CT, and Adam Gillies, of Auburn; his great-grandson, Dimitri McIntosh, of Auburn; and his first-wife and mother of his children, Elizabeth (Cusson) Kabachenski, of Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 (donate.givedirect.org/?cid=779).
Burial, with military honors, will be held privately for his family. The Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, Auburn, is honored to be assisting with arrangements.
Born in Marion, VA, raised and educated in Auburn, Bruce was the only son of the late Victor and Florence (Desautels) Gillies. Upon graduating from Auburn High School in 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served proudly in the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, NC during the Vietnam War era. Bruce was honorably discharged in 1963, when he transferred to the Army Reserves. He began working for Norton Co. in Worcester prior to an extensive career at the Auburn Highway Department. Most recently, Bruce retired from Browning Ferris Industries as a service manager, after a two-decade career.
In his free time, Bruce loved hunting, fishing, and target shooting. He was also a skilled private pilot and trainer of raccoon-hunting dogs. A man of simple pleasures, Bruce always enjoyed his morning coffees on the front porch.
Bruce is survived by his children, James Gillies and his wife Tammie, and Suzanne Gillies, all of Auburn; his grandchildren: Bethany McIntosh, of Auburn, Rachel Gillies, of Glastonbury, CT, and Adam Gillies, of Auburn; his great-grandson, Dimitri McIntosh, of Auburn; and his first-wife and mother of his children, Elizabeth (Cusson) Kabachenski, of Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 (donate.givedirect.org/?cid=779).
Burial, with military honors, will be held privately for his family. The Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, Auburn, is honored to be assisting with arrangements.