JOHN MILLAR

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JOHN MILLAR 1917 - 2010 John Millar, aged 92 years passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Morden, Manitoba. Born on December 16, 1917 in Dunfernline, Scotland he was brought to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at age three. John was raised in the North End of Winnipeg growing up on Laura Street off Logan. After surviving the depression, he worked in construction beside his father, who was a plumber/pipefitter. Realizing that construction work was too sporadic, he applied to the CNR and started as a fireman on the steam engines. He worked his way up to Locomotive Engineer. In 1951, he met the woman of his dreams, Elsie (Elsa) Giese from Whitemouth, Manitoba and married her a year later. They had two children Michelle and Darren. In 1962, they moved the family to Thunder Bay, Ontario where they made their lives. First living in Fort William, then after the sudden death of their young son, Darren they moved to Current River buying a store to help ease the pain of their loss. In 1973 they bought a house on Oswald that they remodelled and lived in for years. There they had plenty of parties with the neighbours and friends and travelled to the ends of Canada in their motor home. John retired from the CNR at age 65 in 1982. In 1995, they sold their home and bought a condo on Edison and stayed there until 2003. Their final home together was at 935 Hudson when Elsa was returned to heaven. Michelle then moved in to help her father. In 2007, Michelle and John moved to Miami, Manitoba for Michelle's work...returning him to Manitoba. John loved his family!! He was a gentleman who showed respect to all. He loved his grandchildren, Elisa and Travis with all his heart. Giving them not only his time and patience but showing them to love and respect all. Both children received their grandparents' name, Elisa after Elsa, Trapper John (Travis) from his grandfather, John who came up with his name and nickname. Left to remember him are his daughter, Michelle Millar, of Miami, MB, granddaughter, Elisa Schatz (Rodney) of Massett, BC, grandson, Travis Gordon of Thunder Bay, ON, great- grandson, Hunter Rodney John Schatz, sister, Irene Millar of Winnipeg, MB, sisters-in-law, Ester Krochak of Winnipeg, Linda Pobihusca of Winnipeg, brother-in-law, Arthur Giese of Winnipeg as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Ann Millar, brothers, Andrew, Walter, George and Tom Millar, sisters-in-law, Evelyn and Patricia Millar, Alma McGinnuiss, Rose Wersh, son, Darren Drew Millar (1965) and his beloved wife, Elsa (Elsie) Millar (2004). A private memorial service will be held on Saturday (today) in Miami, MB with ash interment at a later date in Thunder Bay, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba. Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden In care of arrangements, 822-4755 www.wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2010