Obituary of Harry Stewart McMillan

Harry McMillan Harry Stewart McMillan passed away in Regina, Saskatchewan on April 8, 2013 at the age of 98, after a long, amazing life. It is almost impossible to express how much he will be missed by his loving family and friends. Stewart was born on December 8, 1914 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and spent his adult life in Regina. He is survived by his children, Penny Bestland, Cherry (Michael) Okragly, Robin (Larry Hackel) McMillan, and son Fergus McMillan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew (Kamila) Gourdie of Winnipeg, MB, Shannon (Dale) Loper of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jordan Hackel, Alex (Danielle Shannon) Hackel, Carrie (Chad Kleisinger) Hackel and Aaron (Lindsay Ferguson) Hackel, all of Regina. He leaves great-grandchildren, Jasmine and Zoe Gourdie, A.J. and Zachary Gourdie of Winnipeg, Melissa and Samantha Loper of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mason Skene, Saydie Kleisinger, Kayden Kleisinger, William Hackel and Nathaniel Hackel, all of Regina. Also surviving him is his sister, Kay (Hector) Verge of Quebec City and his sister-in-law, Vi (Doug) McMillan, of Edmonton, Alberta. Stewart is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews and friends; in particular Dot Langston (and her husband Harold, now deceased) and their family who were close lifelong friends. Stewart was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edith (Griffin) McMillan in 2003, his mother, Charlotte Ann "Lottie" (Johnston) McMillan in 1968, his father, Angus McMillan, in 1949, and his son, Angus Archibald McMillan, in 1988. He was also predeceased by sisters Edna Rachel McMillan in 1913, Lottie Isabel McMillan in 1919, Mae McMillan in 1988, Betty (Harold) Mighton in 2011 and predeceased by brothers Gordon Angus McMillan in 1912, Donald Angus McMillan in 1928, Archie McMillan killed overseas in World War II in 1942, Douglas McMillan in 1996 and Orville McMillan in 2004. Stewart grew up and received his education in Saskatoon. In 1935, at the age of twenty, he began a career with the Saskatchewan Provincial Government as a clerk with the Debt Adjustment Board in Saskatoon, then moved to Regina and joined the Local Government Board. He retired as a Chairman in 1975 after forty one and a half years of service, with the exception of three years spent on active service with the army, in the Regina Rifle Regiment (Reserves). After Canada declared war against Germany in September of 1939, he joined the 2nd Battalion of the Regina Rifle Regiment, assigned to the signal unit, and served until June of 1942 when he enlisted in the active service of the Canadian Army. He served in Canada until June of 1945 when he was honourably discharged. Stewart met and fell in love with Edith Griffin after he moved to Regina, and they married in 1941. They were blessed with five children, three girls and twin boys. The McMillan family suffered a major tragedy when son, Angus, became ill and died at the age of thirty. After Stew retired, he and Ede loved to travel and spent many winters in the EI Cajon area of San Diego where they made a host of treasured friends. Stewart enjoyed sports in general - football, hockey and baseball as a spectator - and he curled and golfed with both skill and enthusiasm throughout most of his life. The day he scored a hole-in-one on a golf course in Regina was a happy one. And of course we cannot forget his lifelong love for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. A loyal season ticket holder for many years, wherever Stew was "the game" would be on - countless hours spent cheering for his favorite team. Stewart took an active part in a number of clubs and organizations throughout his life, especially enjoying his association with Camp Balmoral (Sons of Scotland) from 1945 to the time of his death. He was honored when elected Chief of the Camp in 1970. Ede and Stew also belonged to First Presbyterian Church in Regina for thirty-five years, contributing greatly to the church through their hard work and dedicated efforts. One cause Stewart especially believed in and supported was the Canadian Blood Bank. Since his blood type designated him a universal donor, he was called upon often to donate and occasionally was even asked to go to the hospital and donate directly to the patient. He never turned them down. We are celebrating this man's long remarkable life - such an amazing human being - loving son and husband, supportive dad, caring grandfather, and stalwart friend to many. Comfortable with public speaking, he made many memorable speeches, one in particular at the party given in honor of Ede and Stew's fiftieth wedding anniversary. Stewart always had a terrific sense of humor. The many summers that the McMillan family spent at Regina Beach created a lifetime of happy memories for Ede and Stew, and for their children. Eating Butler's fish & chips while sitting on a blanket at the beach by Last Mountain Lake - it just didn't get any better than that. In spite of the challenges to his health as he aged, Stew continued to enjoy life, visiting with his family and many friends, setting an example of strength and determination for all of us. In 1996 when Stewart, at the age of 82, could no longer care for his wife, he never missed a day visiting her at the nursing home - overseeing her care, chatting and joking to keep Ede's spirits up. He always said "She took good care of me all our married life, why would I not do the same for her now?" And he meant it. Stewart was honored with several medals in his lifetime - awarded the Centennial Medal of Canada in 1967 and in 1977 awarded the medal recognizing 25 years since Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne. Stew was also awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the 1939-1945 Star Medal. He was fair and honest, an extraordinary man who saw himself as ordinary. There weren't a lot of grey areas in his life - things were either black or white. The world could use more men like Stewart McMillan. The family wishes to thank everyone who helped Stew along the way, particularly in the past years. The capable staff at Marian Chateau certainly brightened his life after he moved into an apartment there in 2003. He found living there to be "very comfortable" and enjoyed the company of other residents, some of whom became valued friends. It really is impossible to express how much we will miss him. Flowers are gratefully declined; instead please make any donations to organizations benefiting stroke or cancer research. You are invited to join us at a Memorial Reception to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Speer's Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall St. (Park in the Speer's Lot). Program at 3 p.m. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found peace at the end of day. Forget about all the grief and sorrow, Enjoy the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, great times, a loved one's touch. Remember me with smiles, Let's not have any tears. Reflect upon sweet memories And all the cherished years.