Obituary of Thomas Ernest Millar

MILLAR, Thomas

1919 – 2023

MILLAR, Thomas Ernest (Ernie). Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather. Veteran of WWII. Baseball player, hockey player, golfer, and card shark. Ernie was born in Bethune, SK, on March 23, 1919, and passed away in Regina, SK. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at age 104 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Goode Millar, and Ann Shiel (Aitken) Millar; siblings, David, Murian (Page), Richard, Ronald, Mary (Green), Jean (Davidson) and Edith; parents-in-law, Alvin Sandvold (Lillian) and Clive Draycott; in-laws, Lena Millar, Betty Millar, David Davidson, Loretta, and Stuart Morton, Devone and Ramona Sandvold and Cornelius Smith; niece Heather Sandvold and nephews Lynn and Daryl Smith.

Ernie married Vivian Alvine Sandvold (surviving), the love of his life, July 21, 1948, and together they enjoyed 75 wonderful years of marriage.

He was a hero and role model to children, Marla (Allan) Campbell, Ryan (Cindy), and Scott (Felicia Ulm); grandchildren, Blaine (Connie), Mark (Leane), James, Kirsten, Bryce (Sydney), and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Tamika (Curtis Kwasnicki), Baret, Logan, Ethan, Bo and Braxten.

Ernie was also survived by in-laws: Opal and Ron Hein, Alvin and Marjorie Sandvold, Karen Smith, and Roald and Mary Draycott as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ernie lived in Bethune until 2019 when he and Vivian moved to an assisted living residence in Regina. He worked in the Bethune Post Office out of school but joined the RCAF in 1941 and was posted to Trenton Ontario prior to shipping off to England. Returning to Canada in 1945, he resumed work in the Post Office and was appointed Postmaster in 1956. He resigned from the Post Office in 1959 to become full-time Manager of the local Credit Union, a position he had held part-time since 1950. He remained with the Credit Union until his retirement in 1984.

Ernie was a firm believer in community service. He served many years as village secretary-treasurer, as well as treasurer to the Sports Day Committee and curling rink. He served 25 years on the board of the Bethune Housing Authority, and at various times on the town hall and rink boards.

He was past president of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and a past District Deputy Grand Master of the IOOF Cavell Lodge.

Ernie was a devoted member of the Bethune United Church and served on its board for many years as well as Ernie spent much time at the 50Plus Club enjoying card playing and socials. He was also the treasurer for many years.

Ernie was always active and athletic, and enjoyed many days in his retirement on the Dilke golf course or fishing on Last Mountain Lake in summer, and curling in winter. He played hockey and baseball on some good Bethune teams and celebrated his 90^th birthday with a skate at the rink. He was an avid card player – poker, cribbage and bridge were his games – and there was no such thing as a friendly game.

He was of the Greatest Generation. We love him and miss him greatly.

Donations in Ernie’s memory can be made to the Bethune Cemetery Memorial Fund, PO Box 172, Bethune, SK S0G 0H0.

Burial Service will be held at Bethune Cemetery on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Bethune K + S Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.