John Hugh Gillis - Recognition

Recognition

The Sydney Record of 5 July, front page, remembered that he had walked across the continent. The Sydney Daily Post of the same date, page 5, remarked, “He was looked on as the most likely aspirant for the honors so long held by Martin Sheridan, but the disease which ultimately brought about his death fastened upon him and cut short his athletic career.”

The Daily News-Advertiser of Vancouver 7 July 1913 on its sports page carried the headline JACK GILLIS PASSES AWAY IN NOVA SCOTIA and the sub-head “Former Vancouver Athlete Succumbs to Tuberculosis After Long Illness—Won Many Trophies on Athletic Field”.

"The deceased young man was Vancouver’s most successful point winner at all championship meetings until 1911, when he retired....During his athletic career he won numerous trophies and was one of the most popular athletes in the country."

The Inland Sentinel of Kamloops 5 July 1913 had a long item about him on its front page:

"Thousands of friends and admirers throughout the wide world will hear with regret of the death of John H. Gillies, prince of Canadian athletes, which occurred at his Cape Breton home this morning.

"Gillies. . . was of herculean build, and had a brilliant career in the field of sport and his reputation was known in every quarter of the globe. Mr. Patk. Hartney roundly declares, indeed, that Gillies was the finest all round athlete Canada ever produced. . . .

"Mr. Gillies was a man of college education and while his exploits made him the admired of all admirers, he always remained a quiet unobtrusive and amiable gentleman, whose personal qualities retained for him the esteem which his prowess evoked."