Passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 30th, 2021 in his 93rd year. Beloved husband for 66 years of Betty Gillies (née Gilkes). Proud father of Roxanne Caughill (Philip Green), Giselle Tregunna (Peter), and Valerie Gillies. Proud grandfather of Denise Finucane (Lorne), Jennifer Groeneveld (Preston), Richard Caughill, Shawna Tregunna, Chantelle Abma (Kevin), Devon Tregunna, David McNeish (Ellie), Greg McNeish, Connie McNeish (Neil), Broderick Geddes (Chantal), and Daniel Clarke (Megan). Great grandfather of Marissa and Madison Groeneveld, Connor Finucane, Alexandria and Reginald Abma, Harriet and Iyhre Sanders, Bronwyn and Broderick Geddes. Harvey is survived by his brother Mervin Gillies, sister-in-law Ethel, his brothers-in-law Bruce Harper, Bob Harper and Harold Dally. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Harvey is predeceased by; his son, Tommy Gillies (1955), father Ralph Gillies (1973), mother Florence Gillies (née Keith) (1977), brothers Don (1992), John (1987), Keith (2009), Carmen (1932), Kenneth (1941), and Gordon Gillies (2011) (Mary Lou Burke (2020)), his sisters Betty Abercrombie (2006), Florence Harper (2021), and Marlene Harper (2016). Brothers-in-law Arthur Gilkes and Edwin Abercrombie, and sisters-in-law, Lois Gilkes and Joyce Dally. He is also predeceased by his father and mother-in-law Edward and Mary Gilkes. Harvey was born and raised in Proton Township, where he worked in construction, the shoe factory, and Rothsay Concentrate. He and Betty enjoyed traveling to Germany, Ecuador, and several islands. Harvey was involved with Mount Forest Ag Society and Camp Quality. He enjoyed his retirement at Pike Lake with family and many friends. Harvey spent his last year at Royal Terrace, Palmerston where he loved playing bells and bingo while making many new friends. Thank you to all of “his girls”, the nurses, PSWs and staff, that made his last year so enjoyable. Private funeral arrangements entrusted to England Funeral Home, Mount Forest. Those wishing to make a donation in Harvey’s memory are asked to consider Royal Terrace, Palmerston or the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation, Mount Forest.
