Obituary of John Romeo Milani

MILANI, John R. Major (Retired) - The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery He served his country, his community, and his family. John died peacefully on May 21, 2016. He is survived by son Michael QC (Diane and grandsons Jonathan and Christopher), daughter-in-law Dianne (grandson Eric, granddaughter Katherine Parent (Andrew and great grandsons Nolan and Calvin), sister Helen, brother Ronald and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased in 2012 by Verna, his wife of 65 years, sons Colonel Ian (2008) and Brian (1949), brother Albert and sister Margaret. Born in Indian Head in 1921, John started school there and later attended public and high school in Balgonie and Success Business College in Regina. He was employed as a clerk and bookkeeper prior to joining the Army when the 76th Field Battery was mobilized in Indian Head in the summer of 1940. He proceeded overseas with his unit, returned to Canada for Officer Training in 1942 and returned overseas the following year. John landed on Juno Beach a few days after D-Day and served throughout the N.W. European campaign with the 13 Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery ending the war as a Captain and Adjutant of his Regiment. For gallant and distinguished action in the fighting in the Falaise Gap south of Caen, John was decorated by the French Government with the Croix de Guerre. Following WW II John served for the next 22 years in a variety of command and staff appointments including one year in India/Pakistan with the United Nations Observer Group in Kashmir. John took early retirement in 1967 to take employment at the University of Saskatchewan where he served for 18 years, the final 15 as Director of Residences and Food Services. Following retirement John devoted the next 21 years to volunteer work including the following: Corps of Commissioners, Board of Governors (Honourary Life Governor); Last Post Fund-Provincial President, National Vice-President, member of the Executive Council for 11 years, Recipient Order of Merit; Board of Directors Saskatoon Housing Authority; Member Salvation Army Red Shield Committee; Member Management Committee, Albert School Community Centre; Director/Treasurer Federal Superannuates National Association; Chair Saskatchewan Rental Appeal Commission; Volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society for 21 years; Director and President University of Saskatchewan Admin Officers Association; Co-Chair - Ghurka Fund of Canada; Member Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon for 38 years; Recipient of Red Cross Medal for Service; Member Royal Canadian Legion (Nutana Saskatoon Branch); and charter member of United Services Institute (Saskatoon Branch). In 2001 John was named a "Member for Life" of the Last Post Fund (the second time in 90 years such an honour was bestowed). In 2015 John was named a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour by the Government of France, that country's highest order for military merit. After living in 25 different homes across Canada during John's career as an artillery officer, John and Verna enjoyed 48 years in Saskatoon. They led a very active social life, and had a wide circle of friends. They loved watching sports together, particularly curling and the Toronto Blue Jays. Following Verna's death in 2012, John moved to a retirement home in Regina to be near son Michael and his family. Special thanks go to Unit 4B at the Pasqua Hospital, and to the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, for their compassionate and respectful care of John during his last few weeks. John led a good, full, rewarding and happy life. He will be deeply missed. At John's request there will be no funeral service or memorial. His ashes will be deposited with those of his loving wife, Verna.