Robert McMILLAN

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McMILLAN:Robert “Bob” Angus McMillan passed away peacefully at the age of 81 years with his loving family by his side at the Dinsdale Personal Care Home on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Left to mourn his passing, his beloved wife Margaret “Elaine” (nee Galloway) of 58 years; son Richard (Debbie); daughters Heather (Guy) Van Teeling and Trina (Blaine) Cochrane; grandchildren Ryan (Laura), Rebecca, Mitchell, Reagan as well as many nieces, nephews, their families and his dog, Lily. Bob was predeceased by his parents Neil and Mary (nee Stott); siblings Neil John “Jack”, Margaret Lillian Wilson, and Duncan William “Bill”. Robert was born on November 23, 1931 in the McMillan family home in Souris, Manitoba. In 1949, Bob attended the School of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. After graduating in 1952 he started his plumbing apprenticeship with Stein Plumbing and Heating of Assiniboia Saskatchewan in hopes of financing a farm. This is where Bob met his love, Margaret “Elaine” Galloway. Moving back to Brandon in 1954 he continued his apprenticeship at Relf Plumbing and Heating. On October 15th, 1955, Bob married his young bride, Elaine, moving her to Brandon. After few years of marriage, Bob and Elaine had their first child, Richard (Rick) Jae in 1958. Still working for Relf Plumbing and Heating they transferred to Dauphin, Manitoba for two years while Bob worked on the construction of Dauphin's new hospital until its completion. A baby girl, Heather Dionne arrived part way through 1966 bringing the growing family to four. The year 1968 brought more changes, their second daughter, Trina Leigh arrived. Bob and Elaine made the decision to purchase their own firm, Harper's Heating. Over the years, the number of employees grew as did the number of trades offered. The business incorporated and the name changed to Harper's Heating and Plumbing LTD. Bob was proud when his son, Rick was hired and took up the trades. Soon a large renovation of the original business took place, Bob and Elaine added a large showroom, office and workspace. Bob and Elaine, together faced the challenges and enjoyed the rewards of running a successful small business. They jointly ran their company until their retirement in 2000. The outdoors and water was always in the forefront of Bob and his family's time. Bob enjoyed waterskiing at Rivers and Moon Lake, canoeing at Lake Catherine, the Souris River, Assiniboine River from Brandon to Spruce Woods. Boating and camping went hand-in-hand for the family. Bob and Elaine's love of travel took them both near and far in their motor home. They covered most of North America and spent many winters in Weslaco and Yuma. Whenever possible they were accompanied by one or all of their grandchildren. Their most memorable trips abroad included travelling with friends to the Bahamas and Cuba. A private family celebration of Bob’s life was held on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at the Souris Glenwood cemetery in Souris, Manitoba. Flowers are gratefully declined. In recognition of the excellent care provided by the team at Dinsdale, donations may be made for the construction of the Common Room on second floor at Dinsdale Personal Care Home, 510 6th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 3N9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.“Bob, I will miss you terribly and I look forward to joining you when it is my time. With all my love, Elaine”

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 19, 2013