- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
RICHARD JAMES MCMILLAN
Born: Jan 09, 1946
Date of Passing: Jun 05, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
RICHARD JAMES MCMILLAN
January 9, 1946 – June 5, 2022
We are shocked and heartbroken at the loss of our Dad and "Poppa" who passed away suddenly on June 5, 2022. We are so grateful he was at home and the sun was shining, both of which he loved.
Of course we didn't know dad his entire life, but we have heard all the stories. Numerous times in fact. Dad loved to reminisce. He was so nostalgic.
Dad was born and raised in Minnedosa, MB. He took great pride in being from the most beautiful small town in Manitoba - sorry Neepawa. Dad appreciated the freedom that growing up in the valley gave him, the life lessons learned, friendships made and wonderful adventures had. Most significantly dad would talk about the day his world was forever changed - the day Gaye Johnston moved to town and walked into his grade 8 classroom. Dad would still be able to tell you where she sat and what she wore. From that moment on, Mom was apart of all his favourite stories.
Now Dad did have another love in his life...his work. Dad was meticulous, ambitious and dedicated. He excelled in his career and was proud of the positions and accolades achieved. However, it was the everyday challenges, the teamwork and the people Dad was most invested in. He completed his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree at the University of North Dakota in 1970. Shortly afterwards, Mom and Dad were married and moved to Winnipeg where he began his career with Xerox Canada. Dad would say the decade there was pivotal. The experience, skills, and knowledge gained would be the foundation for his future leadership roles. Xerox sent Mom and Dad on some wonderful holidays and brought our family to Regina, SK. In 1981, after completing his Canadian Securities Course, Dad took on a new role at The Equion Group. Then in 1985 an exciting opportunity at Royal Trust (later part of the Royal Bank Financial Group) brought us back to Winnipeg. To say Dad found fulfillment there would be an understatement. It was the greatest honour of his career. He fondly recalled and humbly reflected on his accomplishments in his role as Regional Vice-President. Although Dad retired in 2001, he continued to work tirelessly each day to provide for our family and those he loved.
Dad's life will continue to be celebrated by his daughters, Robin, Jillian (Damian Rocke), Carly (Jeff Demchuk), and his best friend and son, Scott. "Poppa" will be so dearly missed by his seven grandkids, Owen, Emett, Oliver, Ellis, Autumn, Theo, and wee baby Briar.
He had immense love for Mom's siblings, the Johnston gang: Shari Johnston (Bernie Beaudry), Kim Johnston (Susan), Cindy Hogle (Roger), April Johnston (Kent Ulrich), Lisa Nolan (Tim Warkentin), and Brian Nolan.
Special mention must be made of his cousins, Janis Kippen, Jeff Stoneham (Maureen), Ross Stoneham (Charlene) and lifelong friends, Rick Best, Derwood Mann and Dick Alexander.
Although they lived apart, Dad always had a very close bond with his big brother and doppelgänger, John B. McMillan (Blanche) of Burlington, ON.
We are comforted to know that Dad is now reunited with our Mom, Gaye McMillan (2014) and our brother Cody (1983); his dad Gerald C. McMillan (1978); his mom Cora E. McMillan (1996); his Niece Kara McMillan (1991); his Nephew James McMillan (2017) and his beloved furry best friends, Max and Indy.
Dad had a lightning quick wit and a sharp sense of humour. He had incredible breadth of knowledge covering everything from world events to the latest celebrity gossip. He was notoriously frugal (ok, he was cheap). He revelled in his senior discounts, but was privately generous to the causes and people he loved. Dad was an intense sports fan, very intense. He enjoyed his Winnipeg Jets and Valour F.C. games (if they won, of course). He was wise, charming, sentimental, stubborn and mischievous. He cherished summers spent renting cabins, relaxing on the dock and being out on the golf course. Dad had a big sweet tooth and there was nothing more he loved than family potluck gatherings. He was a cancer survivor and he was "Lord McMillan" of one square foot of land in Scotland. Dad was trustworthy. He was someone to whom people always turned to for advice or when things needed to get done. Dad was fiercely loyal and loved deeply. He got so much joy out of heading to the hockey rinks and soccer fields to "cheer" on his grandkids. They will always remember their "Poppa's" constant teasing, fuzzy cuddles and his warnings of the vampires in the basement. After the passing of Mom, Dad put countless time and thought into finding the perfect card and gift for each Christmas and birthday, just not as much into the wrapping.
We will always remember Dad sitting in his favourite chair with paper in hand. And so the story continues until we see you again. We are grateful for all you have done to take such great care of us. We so love and miss you, Dad.
We welcome all friends and family to join us in celebrating Dad on June 21, 2022 from 6-8pm at Camp Manitou (850 Green Oaks Lane, Headingley).
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Dad's memory may be made to the "Gaye and Richard McMillan Sunshine Fund" at The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. Telephone 204-944-9474 or at www.wpgfdn.org/GRSunshine
Publish Date: Jun 11, 2022
RICHARD JAMES MCMILLAN
January 9, 1946 - June 5, 2022
With immense sadness, we share the sudden passing of our Dad and "Poppa" Richard McMillan on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
A longer obituary will follow in Saturday's edition.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Dad's memory may be made to the Gaye and Richard McMillan Sunshine Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. Telephone 204-944-9474 or at www.wpgfdn.org/GRSunshine.
Publish Date: Jun 8, 2022
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2022, Jun 11, 2022
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
-
Robin, Jillian, Scott, Carly and your families. Our most sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of your Dad. I am thinking of you all, sending you lots of love and big hugs. - Posted by: Jan Johnston (Cousin) on: Jun 21, 2022
-
I have just learned of RIchard's passing. He was one year ahead of me at Minnedosa Collegiate but reading his obituary brought back many memories. I knew his wife Gayle and her brother Kim and also was friends with Rick Best and Dick Alexander. I left Minnedosa in 1972 to move to Brandon, followed by a move to Winnipeg in 1979, followed by a move to Vancouver in 1984, followed by a move to Thailand in 1988 where I have lived ever since. I was told of Richard's passing by my brother Gerard who still has a home in Minnedosa and practices optometry in Neepawa. I have fond memories of shopping at his father Gerry's haberdashery whenever I could scrap enough money together from shoveling snow or mowing lawns (depending on the season). I had no idea of where Richard ended up career-wise so it was good to read his obituary and learn that he led a very full life, both personally and in his career. - Posted by: RICHARD MURRAY (classmate) on: Jun 19, 2022
-
It is with profound sadness I extend deepest condolences to all those who mourn Richard’s sudden passing. I was born and raised in the small town in the valley. I share Richard’s sentiments, it was a great place to grow up. Everyone that knew Richard would have a story or two to tell. His antics resulted in much laughter. I met up with Richard a few months ago and had a brief visit. He looked the picture of health. I hope your memories will comfort you in the difficult days ahead. - Posted by: Valerie (McDougall) Zoerb (Friend) on: Jun 18, 2022
-
Many great memories of Richard and his parents. He was a true gentleman like his Dad. I used his Dad Gerry as a reference for my first job. I lived with Gaye in Winnipeg when Richard was going to University in the US. They were so in love and it was a wonderful thing. - Posted by: Fern Best (School Friend and Classmate) on: Jun 18, 2022
-
Our cousin Richard was a very special person in our lives; he was a fun person who always made our visits memorable and we will cherish those times. - Posted by: Jeff and Maureen Stoneham (Cousins) on: Jun 16, 2022
-
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. I loved your beautiful obituary commemorating his life. Although I didn't know your Dad, it helped me to understand why he was so special to all of you. Sending Love - Posted by: Cora (Doren) Uhlich (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2022
-
My sincere condolences to Robin, Gillian, Carly & Scott and Families. Your wonderful tribute to your Dad was so touching. May those wonderful memories sustain you in the coming days. Love to you all! - Posted by: Gillian Robertson (Friend) on: Jun 12, 2022
-
I was saddened to hear of Richard's recent passing. My deepest sympathy to his immediate and extended families. There are dozens of stories I could relate about the hijinks that RJ, Howden Jackson, Garth Cooley and myself got up to in our very early teens. Later on, as RJ's circle of friends changed (which happens at that age) there are dozens more stories to be told about RJ, Dick Alexander, Bruce Cook, Jim Collen and myself.........but most of that history is better left to be shared with the family when I get to see them. Regardless of all that, I remember quite vivdly RJ's dad, Gerry, teaching some of us boys our Sunday School lessons in the Fall and Winter season of, IIRC, 1959/60 in the basement of the old Minnedosa United Church. I just wish that RJ would have come to more of the reunions that followed on after the big one in 1983. I'll leave you with this ancient proverb: “Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.” - Posted by: Rick Best (Friend, Hockey teammate, School mate) on: Jun 12, 2022
-
It is so difficult to realize that Richard is gone. I had come to rely on his presence at Johnston family gatherings and always looked forward to those visits. Your family will have so many wonderful memories of all those special times you had growing up with he and Gaye as your parents! My thoughts are with you all! Love to everyone! - Posted by: Darlene Wilkinson (Gaye's cousin) on: Jun 12, 2022
-
My sincere condolences. My heart goes out to all of you. I will always remember your dads smile! He always welcomed me into your family with warmth and a great chat about the Winnipeg Jets! Love to you all. - Posted by: Janis Raeburn (Friend ) on: Jun 12, 2022
-
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, he was a very special person to me. He always cared about how things were going and enjoyed visiting. I regret that we didn’t get together more often but when we did it was special. Robin, Jillian, Carly and Scott, our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Brent & Cindy (Cousin ) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
I am So Very Sorry. Sending you my Deepest Sympathy. This is a wonderful Tribute to your Dear Dad and Grandpa ❣️ - Posted by: Lucy Hutchinson (Cousin) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
What a beautifully written story to honour your dad. My sincere condolences to all of you. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to spend some time many years ago with your dad, and your whole family. All who know you and who knew your mom and dad, would always hope to have such a beautiful family bond! Thinking of you all, much love and hugs, Kristin - Posted by: Kristin Cooper (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
I was so sorry to hear of Richard’s sudden passing. To Robin, Jillian, Scott and Carly and all their families I am thinking of you all and sending love and hugs to you. I remember my Mom and Dad (Joyce and Verne) thought so much of Richard and would often say what a great couple Gaye & Richard were. To all the Johnston in laws you are also in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care! - Posted by: Lana ( Curry ) Lea (cousin ( of Gaye’s)) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
Your obituary gets Rich correctly. He was all of the things you describe. A wonderful caring spirit. My condolences. - Posted by: Harold Dueck (He was my manager and colleague at Xerox) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
Deb and I are very saddened by the passing of your Dad / Grandfather / Brother-in-law Richard. Richard had special place in our hearts always the first to reply to family events and to be there. He was always interested in what everyone was doing in life and was always up for a good story. He will be missed by us all. Our condolences. Love Scott & Deb. - Posted by: Scott&Deb Cockbill (Gaye’s cousin) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
What a beautiful commemoration to Richard, he was such a special man and very loved. Thinking of you all and sending you all the love. - Posted by: Kate (Niece ) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
So sorry to hear about your dad ! Thinking of all, sending love to all . - Posted by: Jodi MacLaren (Cousin ) on: Jun 11, 2022
-
My sincere condolences to all of Richard’s family. He was a child hood friend and class mate in Minnedosa. - Posted by: Harvey Ebner (friend ) on: Jun 08, 2022