JACK DUGALD MCMILLAN

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JACK DUGALD MCMILLAN It is with a peaceful deep sadness that the family announces the demise of Dr. Jack D. McMillan on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Grace General Hospital at the age of 82. He died peacefully with family at his side after a protracted hospitalization at Deer Lodge Centre followed by a further acute critical illness. Jack lived a remarkable full life, having been a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather as well as friend and physician to countless others during his life span. He had been married for 45 years but lost his beloved wife, Barbara in 1998 also to critical illness. They had raised four children together one daughter Patricia Mary and three sons James Douglas, Ronald Bruce and Angus Ross. Sadly they weathered the tragic loss of two sons in earlier times Bruce, age 17, in 1975 and Doug, age 23, in 1979. Surviving children include Patricia a physician practising at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal and son, Ross and his wife Terry residing with their family in Altona, Manitoba. Precious grandchildren in Altona include Jessica Claire (age 17), Sarah Nicole (age 13) and Dayna Ann (age 11). While it is clear that Jack's passing will be mourned by the many he influenced in differing capacities over his lifespan, his memory will be forever cherished particularly by his special friend Marg Urbanski. Jack was born on April 14, 1928 in Winnipeg to parents Ethel and Angus McMillan. Raised as the youngest child of a butcher, a strong network of family love and support characterized his formative years. He had three siblings Mary, Angus and Mabel with Mabel now the sole remaining sibling. Jack attended Earl Grey and later Kelvin High School. He then pursued secondary education, obtaining his Bachelor of Science in 1949 and Medical Doctorate from the University of Manitoba in 1955. He was strongly influenced by the late Dr. Jack Hildes who was both a friend and mentor. Jack met Barbara in high school and later at the Winnipeg General Hospital where she was a practising nurse. They were married in September 1953. Medical internship came with new challenges the ensuing polio epidemic and the start of their family. Following internship, seven fulfilling years were spent in rural community Family Practice in Oak River/ Hamiota, Manitoba where their three sons were born. In 1962, the McMillan family returned to Winnipeg where Jack was a founding partner in the Silver Heights Medical Group in St. James. He became active professionally in the College of Family Physicians of Canada - serving as a member of the National Board of the College between 1965 - 1971 and as President of the Manitoba Chapter in 1967. Barbara's endless support and constant presence at home nurtured the family's growth and development and enabled Jack's hard work and devotion to his professional responsibilities in Family Practice both at the Silver Heights Medical Group and nearby Grace Hospital. He became chairman of the Department of Family Practice at Grace Hospital from 1982-1985 and also served as a board member of the Manitoba Medical Association. He also received Speciality Certification in Family Medicine when it was first introduced. These were busy challenging dynamic years. Other interests pursued included golf, travel, and curling. He also served as an elder at Westwood Presbyterian Church and was involved with the St. Andrew's Society and other benevolent organizations over the years. Jack retired from his medical practice in 1997. Sadly the acute loss of his wife in 1998 was again profoundly devastating. Despite this and the advent of debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, his indomitable spirit and zest for life still continued. During this time, Marg became a gentle caring presence and support to him and this in turn became a gift from God to both of them, facilitating peaceful companionship and social support in recent years again an unexpected twist in his life. Even as Jack struggled through the declining final years and especially the last eight months of his life, he was surrounded by those who loved and cared for him at all times and he maintained his sense of humor to the end. June 2010 also marked the celebration of his 55th Anniversary of graduation from Medicine. A remarkable and gregarious individual, Jack personally touched the hearts of everyone he met with his warm personality, a kind generous heart and his unique human touch. These elements followed him both personally and professionally throughout his life. He will be greatly missed but forever present in the hearts and actions of those he has left behind. Sincere appreciation is extended to all involved physicians, nurses and other health care professionals who cared for Jack especially at Grace General Hospital, Deer Lodge Centre and the Health Sciences Centre. A Service of Celebration in honor of Jack's life will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive (corner of McBey Avenue and Westwood Drive). In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to those less fortunate. PEACE, BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2010