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MERRITT HERALD FREE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
“THE OLD GUY STILL HAS IT” Local Mike Garthwaite was able to relive his 1993 National High School Rodeo championship last weekend at the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo steer wrestling event, where he took home first place. Ian Webster has the full story.
RODEO RESULTS — PAGE 18 PHOTO SPREAD — PAGE 3
Ian Webster/Herald
GILLIS FAMILY REUNITES IN MERRITT Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
The historic Baillie House hosted one of Merritt’s historic families this past weekend as 52 members of the Gillis family convened for a family first. Gallaher and Etelka Gillespie, the residents who own the famed Gillis House at the corner of Garcia Street and Merritt Avenue helped gather the family together this past weekend for a reunion. Only about 35 family members were missing from the reunion Don Gillis — grandson of J.J. Gillis — told the Herald. The family originated from Prince Edward Island — and Scotland before that. For all your landscaping needs call the professionals at
Currently, members of the Gillis family live in various places such as Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle. “It’s a pretty good turnout,”Gallaher said. J.J. Gillis was one of the original doctors who worked in Merritt after moving here in 1911. J.J.’s younger brother Austin served as an army doctor in the First World War after he completed his medical training, Don said. In Merritt, J.J. bought property in 1921 and built the now historic house that spring. After the war, Austin joined his brother in Merritt, buying a house nearby and worked as a doctor in the community as well.
“The rest is history, really,” Don said. J.J. Gillis also served as MLA from 1928 to 1952. Don said Austin took over J.J’s responsibilities as a doctor when he became MLA as J.J. could not work both professions, Don said. “This is the first time we’ve had a family reunion under J.J.’s name since he past away in April of ‘65 and we’re looking forward to putting together another one in 2021 for the house’s 100th anniversary,” Don said. On Saturday, the family took in a bunch of activities including entering a float in the Nicola Valley Fall Fair and Pro Rodeo Parade, and touring the Nicola Valley Museum.
Friends and family members of the Gillis family look over pictures and documents telling the history of the family on Saturday at the Baillie House for the first family reunion. (From left) Friends of the family Marilyn Hunchak and Donna Schmidt with family members Pam Gillis and Kathy Gillis. Michael Potestio/Herald
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