Edward "Eddie" Gillis

In Loving Memory of Ed Gillis

Ed Gillis was a man whose life was filled with creativity, laughter, and love for his family and friends. The eighth of ten children born to Teresa and Gorman Gillis, Ed grew up in Southwest Detroit surrounded by family. He graduated valedictorian from Western High School in 1984.

Ed had seemingly endless talents, including music. He loved playing in bands alongside his brothers and friends when he was young. Whether making music, sharing a laugh, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Ed had a way of making life more fun.

Ed was also incredibly talented in the kitchen. He excelled as a pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton and later at Beaumont Hospital, where the “Mr. Ed” cookie continues to be enjoyed by many.

In 1990, Ed married Angela, and together they welcomed two children, Amelia and Garrett, the greatest joys of his life. Ed was a devoted husband and father who shared his many interests and talents with his family.

He loved fishing, listening to music, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. His creativity knew no bounds. He lovingly tended to the flowers in his yard, transforming it into a place of beauty. When winter arrived, he waited patiently for just the right snowfall to begin creating snow sculptures. These masterpieces often took hours to complete, long after his children had given up on the cold and headed inside, telling Angie, “Dad won’t come in, but we’re cold!” Ed continued building as he could not compromise his artistic vision. In turn, his snow sculptures became neighborhood attractions. Passing cars would nearly stop as they turned the corner and the neighbors and kids waiting for the school bus enjoyed the sculptures.

His creative spirit continued at Third Man Pressing, where he found new ways to turn vinyl record scraps into works of art including roses, turtles, and Christmas trees. Ed had a gift for seeing beauty and possibility in things others may have discarded.

Ed was a kind, patient, and gentle man with a strong faith and a wonderful sense of humor. The holidays will never quite be the same without pierogi he learned to make from his Busia, or his iconic cheesecake.

Ed leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, creativity and laughter. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends, neighbors, and colleagues whose lives he touched.

The world is a little less colorful without him. There will be fewer snow sculptures to stop traffic, fewer beautiful creations made from unexpected materials, and certainly fewer delicious desserts. But the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will remain with all who knew him.

May Ed rest in peace, surrounded by the faith that sustained him. And if there happens to be a perfect snowfall in heaven, we can be sure Ed will be outside creating something wonderful—probably long after everyone else has gone inside.

Ed is predeceased by his parents, Gorman and Teresa, and his brother, Raymond. He will be missed by his wife, Angela and their children, Amelia and Garrett and his siblings, Maureen, Anne (Tom) Pond, Stephen (Grace), Joseph (Robin), Barbara (Randy) Cholewa, Leo (Kate), Alan (Bonnie) and Jack along with many nieces, nephews and a family of friends.

Visitation will take place at The Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes on Monday, November 2, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A rosary service will begin at 7 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Bonaventure in Detroit on Tuesday, November 3, where Eddie will lie in state from 10:00 am until mass begins at 10:30 am. Private entombment will take place at St. Hedwig Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen in memory of Eddie.