DR. JOHN T. MILLS

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DR. JOHN T. MILLS, PHD. July 31, 1937 - April 4, 2016 Peacefully and supported by his family, John Thomas Mills passed away at Salt Spring Island's Lady Minto Hospital on April 4, 2016. Dr. John Thomas Mills Phd. was the embodiment of renaissance man in life. Whatever J.T. Mills attempted in life he succeeded brilliantly - be it life, love, family, adventure, science, art, or legacy. His currency was knowledge, understanding, kindness, love and wisdom. John was an advocate for nature and creativity and invested his time accordingly. He believed in conversations worth having and inspired many in the process to pursue their dreams and fufill their potential. Throughout his life, John nurtured a climate of unconditional love to guide his family and support his friends. He radiated a creative curiosity that sparked his love of science and nature. It also led him around the world several times touching six continents in the process. John exuded a passion and enthusiasm for whatever he put his focus on. He grew worthy ideas and designed many experiences. His quiet determination and understated charm overcame whatever obstacles and disagreement he encountered in his path. He believed one's character and the real wealth in life is enhanced by meaningful life experience and fostering enduring relationships that stand the test of time and distance. Born in Redhill, Surrey in July 1937 - John took refuge from the war in his beloved Wales. Ever the explorer, he then charted a course that took him across post war Europe and the U.K. as a young man. When he graduated from Imperial College, London he built the quintessential ex-pat life during that sunset of a golden age in Trinidad's sugar cane plantations discovering and marrying the love of his life - the multi-talented Carol. (To Mom, Dad always received the award for Best Supporting Actor). Once he had mastered life in the tropics, John immigrated to Canada to work in Winnipeg for the Canadian Government as a plant pathologist - shifting gears to become a world authority in diseases of grain and a forensic expert (and quickly adapting to one of the coldest places on Earth). John and Carol raised two sons Richard and Nicholas, and later nurtured two grandsons Jordan and Samson. John's sense of adventure never ceased as he was always only a plane ride away from what ever pursuit he undertook - family often in tow. In 1974-1975 John and Carol transplanted their young family to Holland for over a year on a work sabbatical. Every weekend (and some weeks) were well planned visits to significant cultural institutions and historical landmarks that crisscrossed Europe. Trains, planes, automobiles and shoes were all well used on this vital mission. John's marriage to Carol endured lovingly for 43 years, and following her passing he realized their shared vision to build a family retreat on Salt Spring Island under the vigilant supervision of his loyal, lovable and rather furry companion Bear. In his retirement from civil service, John focused his passion and energy to encourage culture and science other ways: becoming president of the Manitoba Society of Artists as well as chairman of Rare Breeds Canada. Combining these two themes - John's artistic talents blossomed as he became a celebrated painter. He particularly loved capturing animals in context of their environments - excelling at his depiction in the diversity of horse breeds. To those that knew him best, John's passion for knowledge and understanding of many things was manifested in his casual ability to solve the most complex of crosswords and also to always ask thoughtful questions - ones worthy of answering. J.T. Mills was a true gentleman in every sense of the word: a devoted husband, an amazing father, a benevolent grandfather, and a stalwart friend, he was admittedly a terrible cook but above all be was a wonderful human being. John was a man that believed in the potential of others and made a profound difference to many. He made his world a much better place. He is missed by all those he encountered and his legacy will endure in the future through the generations he touched. A celebration of John's life will be held on his birthday July 31, 2016 on his beloved Salt Spring Island. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in memory of Dr. John T. Mills to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, 135 Crofton Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1T1. This obituary may also be viewed at www.haywardsfuneral.com The artwork of John T. Mills can be viewed at www.johntmills.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2016