Gillis Wayne MacDonald

A recording of the Funeral Mass for Gillis is available for viewing under service details until May 1, 2024.

Gillis was born to Leo and Clara (Weisgerber) MacDonald on May 27, 1950, in LeRoy, SK. He was the 3rd of 5 children and grew up helping his dad on the farm. Gillis attended school in Manresa, Sinnett, and Lanigan. He went on to obtain his auto mechanic in Saskatoon. He met the love of his life, Loretta (Faye) in 1974. They married on April 24, 1976, in Wishart, SK. They continued the family farm and were proud to raise their four children there. Gillis also worked at the Allan Potash Mine as a security guard while Loretta pursued her nursing career. In 1984, they built a new home on the farm. Beside farming, Gillis worked at Central Water Conditioning. He spent much of his time travelling across the province with hid kids for hockey and dance. His proudest accomplishments were 30 years of service to the Conservation and Development in Saskatchewan and being president of the Saskatchewan Regional Parks board. He was also chairman of the LeRoy and District Fire Board from 1996-2011.     

Gillis and Loretta moved from the farm in 2011 after building their dream home in Humboldt, SK. Gillis worked at Rona Rentals where he used his skills at repairing the equipment and enjoyed visiting with the customers until he retired in 2018. Over the last decade, Gillis and Loretta were able to travel around the world. He spent every fall on a hunting trip with his buddies, and we will never know all the shenanigans that went on. Gillis spent his retirement in his shop building peddle airplanes for his grandchildren, birdhouses, and more. He loved tinkering in his shop and fixing things. He was happy to still have his little farm in town.              

Gillis was predeceased by his parents Leo and Clara MacDonald, in-laws Stanley and Catherine Faye, nephew Kevin Kresse, niece Nadine Gordon, in-laws Albin Faye, Gordon and Cam Faye, Gordon and Francis Meston, and Daniel Bugyi.               

Gillis will be lovingly remembered by his wife LORETTA of 47 years, and his children: Caron Bacon (Brent Bacon): Dawson, Caleb, Rhys, and Levi; Scott MacDonald (Kerri Hantke): Ellie, Evan, and Emalyn; Ryan MacDonald (Breanne Senik); and Jenelle Park (Brendan Park): Leo and Quinn; his siblings Len (Joan) MacDonald, Darelene (Jerry) Kresse Deloraine (Peter) Flach, Vaudree (Dan) Reinhardt; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.   

Gillis was so proud of his family and all the adventures their life has taken them on so far. He will always be with them as they continue to follow their dreams. He was surrounded by his family at the end of his life, hearing stories, and his favourite songs to carry him on.

A Funeral Mass for Gillis was held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. from St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt. Interment will take place at a later date in Holy Rosary Parish Cemetery. Memorial donations in Gillis’ memory may be directed to Holy Rosary Parish Cemetery (Cheques payable to Holy Rosary Parish - Box 237, LeRoy, SK, S0K 2P0). Funeral arrangements are entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM, Humboldt, 306-682-1622.