Donald Richard Gillies, lifelong resident of the Grande Prairie area, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, in Grande Prairie, at the age of 70 years, after courageously battling many health issues over the past 5 years.

Don was born November 7, 1947, at Johanna’s Maternity Home in Sexsmith, and grew up on the family farm east of Sexsmith. He enjoyed a varied and successful career in the oil patch.

He will be sadly missed by his sister Doreen Lock, niece Janet Lock-Thompson (Leonard), grand-nephew Ty Lock, grand-niece Kara-Lee Lock, niece Sandra (James) Dempsey, nephew Iain Hall, niece Gail Cuff, nephew John Grumbly, and niece Joanne Lethbridge (Cliff Pompana). He will also be missed by a multitude of cousins and many good friends.

He was predeceased by his father Hugh Gillies (1963), mother Kathleen Jantz Benson (2012), brother Hugh Gillies (1971), sisters Wilhelmina (Billie) Hall and Mary (Maysie) Grumbly, and his niece Lisa Lock.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at 2:00pm, at Sexsmith Civic Centre, (9917 99 Ave.).

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.