Passed away peacefully on December 23rd, 2021 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 96. He is now reunited with his best friend and wife of 67 years Betty (2016).
Loving father of Jim (Bonnie), Howard (Pat), Don (Brenda), Michael (Jane), Steve (Judy) and Tracey (Brian) Moore.
Rolly and Betty shared 15 grandchildren: Edward (Tracy), Bradley (Miriam), Erin (Rob), Rachael (Shawn), Wendy (Justin), Catie (Joe), Logan, Alexis (Matt), Brendan (Ashley), Justin (Sarah), Ryan (Jenn), David, Aislinn (Ramsay) and Cameron (Lindsay). Cherished great-grandpa to 16 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his grandson William.
Rolly was a proud WWII vet and long-time member of the Fonthill Legion. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was very happy to partake in the Memory Project where he discussed his experiences during the war with local students. Rolly and Betty loved spending summers at the cottage with their family. Rolly maintained his dry sense of humour to the very end. He will be missed dearly by family and friends.
In keeping with Rolly’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held on January 4, 2022 at 11am at Pelham Community Church, 461 Canboro Rd, Fenwick. Rite of Committal to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dunnville. Proof of vaccination is required and masks are mandatory. For those who cannot attend, you can livestream the service on the link below. Due to the nature of the pandemic, these arrangements may be altered to meet the requirements of any public health restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
It is with sadness that we receive the news of your father’s passing. Bittersweet is the word that comes to mind. To live so many years and gain such wisdom and insight is a blessing. Our prayer for the Gillap family is; that which is good will live on. May you be blessed by the life of your father and may you find peace in his passing.
Erika and Rick Froese
I remember fondly Summer days at Port Maitland with your Dad ,Mom and you guys. Always loved when we were able to play together any time you visited. Paul passed in Jan.2021 and my husband Ed in 2020 but I’m still in Niagara Falls…Your Dad was always a favorite cousin…very kind and gentle man. So sorry for your loss.
It was good to know your father and grandfather. The fact that he was a veteran has always made his family very proud and rightfully so, it was an honour to know him. Our deepest condolences to all of the Gillap family. May you find comfort in knowing that he is with your mom and at peace.
Don- my sincere condolences to you and all of your family on your Dad’s passing. I have many fond memories of how your Dad & Mom always welcomed “the boys” into their home on countless occasions. Your Dad was one of the good ones. Take care & be well at this difficult time. Your friend Rob M.
Mike & Jane and the entire Gillap Family…
What a very special man your father was! Such a varied and wonderfully full life …always giving of himself to his community and his family….his is a life to be celebrated and cherished! Please accept our condolences for your loss. We will be with you in spirit on Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Nick & Deb Loeffen
Our sympathies go to the entire Gillap family.
Your Dad was a wonderful happy man with a smile for whoever he met.
Our parents Gordon and Agnes Moote spent many years of friendship and good times with your Dad and Mom also travelling and having so much fun together.
He will always be remembered.
Mike and Jane and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I’m sure you have many happy memories to help you through the sadness of his loss. Praying for Peace for you all.
I have many fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Gillap and their family as we shared the same church and neighbourhood for many years. Many football games were played in their backyard over the years. In recent years I enjoyed chatting with Mr. Gillap as he took his walk by our home. May God comfort each family member as you make this adjustment together and celebrate your loved one’s long and full life.
— the Weatherby family (Rob and Birgitta, Joyce, Annette and Bryan)
To the Gillap family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We know that you have his love and the wonderful memories of him to keep you going during this difficult time. He was always so friendly and considerate when we had the pleasure to see him.
Steve, my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad.
It is with sadness that we receive the news of your father’s passing. Bittersweet is the word that comes to mind. To live so many years and gain such wisdom and insight is a blessing. Our prayer for the Gillap family is; that which is good will live on. May you be blessed by the life of your father and may you find peace in his passing.
Erika and Rick Froese
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I remember fondly Summer days at Port Maitland with your Dad ,Mom and you guys. Always loved when we were able to play together any time you visited. Paul passed in Jan.2021 and my husband Ed in 2020 but I’m still in Niagara Falls…Your Dad was always a favorite cousin…very kind and gentle man. So sorry for your loss.
It was good to know your father and grandfather. The fact that he was a veteran has always made his family very proud and rightfully so, it was an honour to know him. Our deepest condolences to all of the Gillap family. May you find comfort in knowing that he is with your mom and at peace.
Don- my sincere condolences to you and all of your family on your Dad’s passing. I have many fond memories of how your Dad & Mom always welcomed “the boys” into their home on countless occasions. Your Dad was one of the good ones. Take care & be well at this difficult time. Your friend Rob M.
Mike & Jane and the entire Gillap Family…
What a very special man your father was! Such a varied and wonderfully full life …always giving of himself to his community and his family….his is a life to be celebrated and cherished! Please accept our condolences for your loss. We will be with you in spirit on Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Nick & Deb Loeffen
Mike and Jane, Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. Sincerely Fiona and Ed Bobko
Our sympathies go to the entire Gillap family.
Your Dad was a wonderful happy man with a smile for whoever he met.
Our parents Gordon and Agnes Moote spent many years of friendship and good times with your Dad and Mom also travelling and having so much fun together.
He will always be remembered.
Mike and Jane and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I’m sure you have many happy memories to help you through the sadness of his loss. Praying for Peace for you all.
Joan and Doug Cosby
I have many fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Gillap and their family as we shared the same church and neighbourhood for many years. Many football games were played in their backyard over the years. In recent years I enjoyed chatting with Mr. Gillap as he took his walk by our home. May God comfort each family member as you make this adjustment together and celebrate your loved one’s long and full life.
— the Weatherby family (Rob and Birgitta, Joyce, Annette and Bryan)
To the Gillap family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We know that you have his love and the wonderful memories of him to keep you going during this difficult time. He was always so friendly and considerate when we had the pleasure to see him.