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GAYE MCMILLAN (JOHNSTON)
Born: May 29, 1946
Date of Passing: Mar 01, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGAYE MCMILLAN (nee JOHNSTON) May 29, 1946 - March 1, 2014 On a bright and sunny prairie winter day, our Darlin' Gaye was surrounded by loads of love as she peacefully passed away at Riverview Health Centre. Mom always said she was blessed with a wonderful life, full of loving family and friends. Mom was born and raised on the family farm near Oak Lake. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Minnedosa where she completed high school and met her future husband, our dad, Richard. Mom moved to Winnipeg to begin her working career, hitch-hiked through Europe, and then married Dad in 1970. Our family moved to Regina in 1976, and after nine great years, moved back to Winnipeg in 1985. Gaye's story cannot be told without the love of her life, Rich, her fuzzy guy. Theirs was a real love story. Almost 50 years full of adventure, laughter, teasing, and so much fun. Their love has left a lasting imprint on their kids, family, and friends. Gaye's life will continue to be celebrated by her daughters Robin, Jillian (Damian Rocke), Carly (Jeff Demchuk), and her best friend and son, Scott. With the arrival of her four grandkids Owen, Emett, Oliver, and wee Ellis Gaye, she became "Gaydie". She showered them with endless kisses and hugs, and spoiled them rotten. She was so proud of them, and created a bond that they will remember forever. To Mom, nothing mattered more in life than her close-knit family. Mom will be immensely missed by her incredibly devoted and supportive siblings Shari Johnston (Bernie Beaudry), Kim Johnston (Susan), Cindy Hogle (Roger), April Johnston (Kent Ulrich), and Lisa Nolan (Brian). They are a wild and crazy bunch, and we can't thank them enough for all the wonderful memories and great times they shared with Mom. She was just so proud of and grateful for each of you, and loved you all so very, very much. We could not possibly get through this time without you. We must include a special mention of Mom's close relationship with "Auntie Tom" (Doreen Jenkins) of Brandon; and her friend and cousin, Judy McLean of Winnipeg. Left to miss Mom is her Uncle Larry Curry of Manitou; Aunt Shirley Curry of Manitou; Aunt Rose Gibney of Yorkton, SK; brother-in-law John B. McMillan (Blanche) of Burlington, ON; plus her numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that brought her so much joy through their stories and visits. Mom will be so happy to be reunited with our brother Cody (1983); her dad Ross Johnston (1975); and her Mom Audrey Johnston (2003). Every moment of our lives involved our Mom. We just miss her so much already. We couldn't have imagined a day without talking to or hearing from her. She filled every inch of our lives with love, happiness and made everyone around her feel so special. Mom was gorgeous with a magnetic personality that allowed her to quickly make friends with total strangers. She loved family gatherings, cuddling in front of the fireplace, and afternoon drives anywhere. Mom loved honey on toast and our Dad's special porridge. Growing up on the farm she rode horses and desperately wanted to be a cowboy. She had a ridiculous fear of snakes. Her favourite colour was yellow and she always wore pink lipstick and had her nails painted. Mom loved being at the lake with the sun on her face and getting up early to tend to the beautiful flowers in her yard. She loved to get cozy and was infamous for getting the giggles at the worst times, having a beautiful smile and some hilarious sayings. Mom loved to dance, wear wedge heels or go barefoot. She was a great cheerleader at her kids and grandkids soccer games and track meets and so enjoyed the Terry Fox Run with Scott. If only everyone could be blessed to have a Mom like ours. She was carefree, protective, feisty, generous, athletic, truly optimistic, a great listener, spontaneous, wise, so kind and a thousand things more. In 1989 Mom was diagnosed with a rare genetic lung disease, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Despite spending the last eight years on oxygen, Mom lived life to the fullest. She got herself a nifty backpack for her oxygen tank, a scooter so she could head to the fields to watch soccer games and her portable unit to use at the lake, on trips, or visiting family. The last two years when Mom was under Palliative care and unable to leave her home, truly showed the courage, strength and grace she possessed in spades. Mom always smiled, loved life and never complained. Every day of these past two years was her special gift to us. We are forever grateful to Dr. Homik and all the wonderful, caring medical "friends" Mom made over some 24 years that allowed her towards the end to stay in her home that she loved so much. A special hug and thanks to Louise, Wendy and Suzanne. As per Mom's wishes, on a sunny summer day, when the leaves are on the trees and the flowers are in bloom, there will be a private family service and picnic at Johnston Cemetery near Oak Lake. We will then take Mom to the rolling hills of her childhood and scatter her ashes. A fun family event was our annual St. Patrick's Day get together. To continue the tradition, we invite family and friends to drop by for a coffee and visit on Saturday, March 15 at the Headingley Community Centre (5353 Portage Ave HWY #1 West) anytime between 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. "just lift your face, feel the wind in your hair. That's me, my sweet baby, my love is right there." In lieu of flowers we ask that you please make a donation in Gaye's name to Jocelyn House Hospice or The Manitoba Lung Association. Wojcik's Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204 897 4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2014
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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I was Rich's roommate when he was just 20 years old if memory serves. I've often tried to find him over the years and was so sad to see that his Beloved Gaye has passed. He used to show me photos that she sent him while he was away and gush over how beautiful she was. It was no surprise after over 45 years that he married her and they lived a wonderful life. I'd love to make contact with Rich again as he had a profound influence on me even though we lived in a dorm for such a short time. I'd like to express my condolences (although a year late) to Rich and his entire family. If anyone reading this has contact with Rick, please have him email me at garymers@gmail.com. - Posted by: Gary Marquardt (Rich's College Roommate from NDSSS 1968) on: May 19, 2015
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Our sincere condolences to Richard ....... We do recall wonderful high school memories of Gaye. - Posted by: Wayne and Joyce Lewis (High school friends) on: Oct 24, 2014
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Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Mom. I used to babysit you wonderful kids in Regina and ran into your Mom some twenty-five years ago where we both ended up back here in Winnipeg. She was everything you wrote about and more. I remember her wonderful happy nature and spirit and her ability to encourage and have faith in me. I will always remember your family and it was an honor to know your Mom. - Posted by: Laurie Gretschmann (Babysitter) on: Mar 27, 2014
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We just heard of Gaye's passing. She was truly one of the nicest people we had ever met and we are deeply sorry for your loss. We did not know her well but when we did meet at soccer games, that ever present smile was there. - Posted by: Brian and Penny Hayes (Parents of Kristen, soccer team mate of Jillian & Carly) on: Mar 18, 2014
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What a wonderful tribute! Gaye & I attended neighbouring country schools near Oak Lake as young kids. Our schools would get together for Christmas Concerts & ball games. Great fun in the old days !! - Posted by: Terri Iverson (Early childhood neighbour) on: Mar 16, 2014
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My most sincerest condolences. From your beautiful tribute, it's easy to see how she raised such an upstanding son. I wish you all peace and healing. - Posted by: Ann Poten (Co-worker ) on: Mar 11, 2014
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Richard and your wonderful family, So sad to hear. No one will ever be like Gay...Her name suited her well :-) I just remember fun and good times with Gay and of course her wonderful giggling and laughing. - Posted by: Carolyn Johnson (Friend) on: Mar 10, 2014
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Rich, our prayers & thoughts go out to you & your family. Maureen & I have many fond memories of the social & busines times spent with you & Gaye, those many years ago at Xerox. - Posted by: Don & Maureen Stevenson, Lethbridge AB (Friend & former co-worker at Xerox) on: Mar 10, 2014
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To Richard and your lovely children. I am so sorry to hear this news. Gaye was lovely. I first met you in Regina, while we were members in the Newcomers Club then. We moved to Winnipeg as well. Then I had a lifetime experience having Jillian work with me as Anne of Green Gables at my store. Jillian was wonderful, and I grew to love her. Gaye supported this effort. I did not get to visit her enough. A wonderful Mother to her children. And wife. I am sure. Her smile lit up a room. Sending my love. - Posted by: Barbara Greason (Friend) on: Mar 10, 2014
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Richard, it seems a lifetime since I last visited with you and Gaye. Word of her passing came as a shock to me and I want to express my deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. The obituary is such a wonderful and moving tribute to Gaye. We were all privileged to have known her. - Posted by: Bruce Cook (old school friend) on: Mar 10, 2014
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I would like to extend sympathy on the passing of Gaye. I'm sure you will miss her greatly. My mother (Shirley Wallace Hut and Gaye's were first cousins. I have not seen Auntie Tom for some time. I do however remember playing with Gaye at Grandma Winnie's in Kenton when we were much younger. - Posted by: Beverley Bennett (cousin) on: Mar 09, 2014
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Dear Jillian and Family, my heart is with you all. I know how close you all were, and how much time you spent together. Whenever I ran into your Mom she was always with one or more of you, a testament to that closeness. I will always remember that beautiful smile, and sparkle in her eye when she was with her kids. God Bless and hold you all. Susan Rebbeck (previously of Shelmerdine's) - Posted by: susan rebbeck (co-worker of Jillian ) on: Mar 09, 2014
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Rich I remember you and Gaye very much as we had all those Great Times in Winnipeg. I just wanted to let you know our hearts and prayers go out to you and your families.....Al - Posted by: Al Norris (co worker at Xerox) on: Mar 08, 2014
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Although I did not know Gaye very well, in fact I barely knew her, but I could easily tell that she was exactly as her children have described in their tribute based solely on having seen that her children are very much like their mother. My sincere condolences. - Posted by: Pamela Walford (auntie-in-law to her children) on: Mar 08, 2014
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We are so sorry to hear of Gaye's passing. She was an amazing lady and we were all so fortunate to have known her. Her spirit will continue to live in you. - Posted by: Lana Curry Lea (Cousin of Gaye's ) on: Mar 08, 2014
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In everyone's life you have a person who was always this incredible exotic person. Growing up my big cousin Gaye was this person. I remember how excited I was when Gaye was coming to visit and how she would have that open mouth exhale just before she broke into her infectious giggle. I don't remember anything but laughing and telling stories when my cousin was around. As I grew up I still enjoyed every visit with Gaye and all of the McMillan clan. I will miss her and my thoughts are with all of you. - Posted by: Trudy Curry (Cousin) on: Mar 08, 2014
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Your Mom was such an amazing woman and always a pleasure to see near the fields or at your place Jillian! She was always smiling and clearly such a trooper. I am so happy she got to meet all her wonderful grandchildren and spend some good years with them. My heart goes out to you all as you mourn the loss of your wonderful mother, friend, and woman. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing her back in the day. - Posted by: Mandy Wintink (Friend of Jillian's. ) on: Mar 08, 2014
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Dear dear friend Richard, i am so sorry for your loss. You two were one of the funniest, nicest people I've ever known. I've had numerous chances to visit you and Gaye which I truly enjoyed, as always good for a laugh and now i am so sorry I didn't drop by more often. I am down in Mexico and just found out this morning so if it's alright with you I would like to come and visit some time later. As always, one of my best friends ever. - Posted by: Dick Alexander (Friend) on: Mar 08, 2014
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You were such great neighbours in the days when our Karen and your Robin, Jillian and Scott were playing as hard as they could. (and enjoying every minute of it.) Those were the days when outside and inside play were oh so creative. And they were up to the challenge. We were so sad to hear about the loss of your mother (and wife - Richard). Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and your families. Love Pete and Loraine - Posted by: Peter & Loraine Lysak (friends) on: Mar 08, 2014
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Scott, I am so sorry for your loss of your mother and best friend. Your mom was such a great lady, friend and person. Scott I hope you know that you always being near and available for your mother was a great comfort for your mother. Gaye is lucky to have had you be such an important part of her life Scott! I always remember your mom telling me about you whenever I talked with her and she is so proud of you! Lane and family. - Posted by: LAne Curry (cousin) on: Mar 08, 2014
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