MCMILLAN: Donald
Posted By On February 11, 2021 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 26 Comments
It is with great sadness but also great joy for the long and wonderful life he lived that the family of Donald James McMillan announce his passing on February 11th at the age of 95. Don was born on December 18, 1925 in Goderich Ontario and was the only child of Robert and Lucy (nee Feagan) McMillan. He was born and raised in his family home on Quebec Street in Goderich until the age of 19 when he moved to Toronto on his own to seek employment. It was there that he landed his all time favourite job as the personal secretary for the Vice President of CP railway. He was able to travel across Canada accompanying him in his private car for approximately seven years and right up until Don’s recent passing he loved to reminisce about his time travelling with CP railway. While in Toronto he met the love of his life Shirley (nee Stephens) and they married in August of 1952 and spent 64 wonderful years together until her passing in September of 2016. While in Toronto Don’s three children, Ernest, Eleanor, and Elizabeth were born and in 1965 the family moved from Toronto back to Don’s beloved home town of Goderich. There Don worked for the Goderich PUC as the Office Manager for many years until retiring in 1984. However he still enjoyed doing a bit of extra work to keep himself busy after retirement so he decided to go out and get his bus driver’s license and worked part time for Sherwood Bus Lines driving school buses and then doing Coach Bus tours to Toronto as an escort to the various theatre productions. For anyone that knew Don, next to his genuine love and adoration for his family, his absolute passion in life was his love of music. Don started to learn how to play the trombone at the age of 14 and was still playing his horn right up until a few months ago. Don played an integral part in the formation of the Goderich Laketown Band at it’s inception in 1967. He convinced his wife Shirley to join him as she also was a fellow musician in her younger days growing up in Toronto. As a result Don’s three children all followed in their parent’s footsteps to become musicians themselves. Another one of his favourite groups to play with was the Goderich Fog Horns swing band. Don also kept very active while singing in various choirs over the years including the Goderich Harbouraires, the Lakeshore United Church choir and also in The Kirk church choir in Dunedin Florida where he and Shirley spent their winters in retirement. He was also an active member for several years with the Dunedin concert band.
Don leaves behind his 3 loving children and their spouses. Ernie McMillan (Patti) Eleanor Lawson (John) and Elizabeth Moffitt (Ron Richie). He is also loved and missed by his 10 Grandchildren, Caleb, Joshua, Bethany and Aaron McMillan, Liam and Sheena O’Brien, Alicia Lawson and Megan Flynn, and Taylor and Landon Moffitt. Eight Great Grandchildren, Rylee and Graham McMillan, Henley and Silas McMillan, Emma and Kayla Hutchison, Ashton and Lawson Flynn. Donations may be made in Don’s memory to Lakeshore United Church. A celebration of Don’s amazing and long life will be held at a later date to be determined.
Condolences for the family of “MCMILLAN: Donald”
My deepest condolences to all of Don’s family. He was a wonderful person, and will be missed by many. He’s at peace now, and with his sweet Shirley. ❤️❤️
Our condolences to Don’s family and friends. Don and I worked together for many years. He was always helpful and respectful to work alongside. Hold your many memories close.
My sympathy to Don’s family. Don was a great person who served the community most of his life.
Elly and family: Sincere condolences to you and your extended family. We are thinking of you at this sad time…. Mike, Val and family
Our condolences to Ernie & Patti McMillan, Elly & John Lawson, Elizabeth Moffitt & Ron, all Don’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time. May all the great memories you have of Don bring you peace and comfort when needed most. Rita & Peter Cliff
The world has lost another fine and wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy to you, Ernie & Patti, Eleanor & John, Elizabeth & Ron and all your families. We will miss Don’s lovely smile and gentle manner. We know that he is with Shirley now and they are making beautiful harmonies together.
You are in our prayers.
Wanda & Murray
Don would always greet you as a long lost friend. Always happy to greet you.
I only work with Don for roughly one year before he retired but he always had a wave or a kind word.
Always a gentleman.
My condolences to Don,s family . I enjoyed talking with Don when I was working at Goderich Place while cutting his hair . How he loved his music . He will be greatly missed . My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Do was a sweetheart of a man very softspoken .Patricia O’reilly and myself send our condolences to the immediate family !
Our condolences to Don’s family. For sometime he was a neighbour of ours at Goderich Place. Every week we would see him heading out for practice with the Goderich band, even into his 90’s. We knew him for many years and I am pleased that his son has continued to be a friend with my son. We took bus trips and met him as we got on the bus as he was the host. What great memories so many people have of him.
To all of Dons family I would like to offer my sincere condolences. Don was such a gentle, kind man and I had many dances with him at Goderich Place when I was able to go in and volunteer! Oh how he loved his music and dancing! You were a great fellow and we will really miss you but you will be up in heaven now in the angels choir!
So sorry to hear of Don`s passing. He was a kind and gentle man. Brought back memories of practicing in the Goderich Fire Hall when the Lake Town Band was started. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Janet and Dwayne Linner
To all of Dons Family.
What a fine genleman. What a glorious long life he had and how he touched the souls of everyone who ever made contact with him.
Dear Ernie, Eleanor, Elizabeth: We were saddened to hear of your father’s passing. I remember him as being one of the first people in Goderich to make me welcome in 1972. Of course he had musical things on his mind. That was always the connection we had, whether it was in the Town Band, the church choir or, of course, having all three of you in my classes and bands. All the memories are fond ones. He was a trouper and will be missed.
What a wonderful man!!! Always had a smile on his face. As choir director of the Lakeshore United Church choir I enjoyed seeing Don every Thursday night. After Shirley passed many of us made sure that Don had a ride to and from choir rehearsal and on Sunday mornings until he decided he couldn’t do it anymore. I also enjoyed hearing him play his trombone in the Lakeshore Band and when we could convince him, at church. He will be sadly missing by everyone who knew him. Remember the memories you have of him. God Bless all of you!!!
My condolence to Don’s family.
Jim
I loved hearing Elly stories about her dad and watching her videos especially when she took him to get shoes. He had such a pep I his step and you could see his zest for life. I didn’t know Don well but felt like I did through Elly and John hearing the stories of growing up and all about their visits. My condolences go out to the entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️❤️❤️
So sorry to learn of Don’s passing. A consummate gentleman, Don always had a kind word and a smile to share. Whenever I would call on the house in the mid-1970s to steel away his son Ernie for an evenings fun, Don always offered up a positive thought and a welcoming smile. Quiet and thoughtful, he came across like one of those impossibly wise and caring TV Dads — like Ward Cleaver or Steven Douglas. When he did speak you listened because each word was measured and seemed to carry meaning. I saw him out for a walk just a couple of years back and so I stopped to see how he was doing. Sharp as ever, it was clear that little had changed. Not sure they make them like Don anymore, which is a pity. I know his children and grand children will miss him deeply as will the Goderich community he loved so well. If there is a Band in Heaven, Don has already picked up an instrument — Shirley would have had one waiting no doubt. Our deepest condolences to his family. John (Cam) & Tracy Maguire and family.
I join all of you in mourning the loss of Don. He was next-door trombone on the Laketown Band for 15 years and we developed a warm friendship. About three years ago, I started dropping in to see him when I was in goderich. He always wanted to take me out for lunch. What a gentleman! The world was a better place for his presence.
Our sincere condolences to Ernie, Eleanor and Elizabeth and their families in this time of loss. Don and Shirley were one of the first couples we met when we came to Goderich and we have many happy memories of our friendship. Don was such a happy person, and he will be remembered for always being kind.
Dear McMillan Family, I send condolences as you grieve your loss and celebrate Don’s life. Don and his musical abilities have been missed at Lakeshore United Church in recent times. Don was a true gentleman whose smile and gentleness were genuine. Don and Shirley were a lovely couple and I know that they now are happily reunited. I shall hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers as you console one another. Blessings to all who love Don, Dawn Cumming.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Don’s family at this time. Don was a true gentleman. He and his wife lived above our restaurant in Goderich and we regulars when it came to Friday night room delivery. He have many fond memories. His kindness, gentle spirit, smile and laughter will be missed.
Ernie, Eleanor, Elizabeth and families: The boys and I are sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a true gentleman. I feel honoured that I was able to get to know him and spend time with him. I truly enjoyed accompanying him on his trombone – though maybe not as often as he would have liked! – and will think of him whenever I hear or play a very, very long list of songs. Our deepest condolences. – Hayley, Charles and Wes
I had the privilege of working with Don for several years at Robin Hood Tours. He was always the ultimate gentleman who really cared about others.
He loved music and as he escorted so many tours to all the musical theatre tours he always came back with such positive memories of the shows and those who travelled with him. I.m sure those who are still with us have those wonderful memories too.
Dear Ernie, Eleanor, Elizabeth and families,
Sally and I would like to join in offering our sincere condolences on Don’s passing. He was a dear and generous person. It was a delight and honour to know him for so many years. He was truly an inspirational person along with Shirley. They radiated love for each other and for life. Don was always positive, cheerful, and devoted. It was inspiring how he enjoyed and shared his love of music even into his later years. He and Shirley were a team and one of those amazing couples who were pillars of our church. Please know that we are thinking of all of you.
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Don was an absolute sweetheart. He lived up the street from us for many years, and he knew Kevin’s parents well. Don was always smiling, and greeted us by name. Kevin’s father lived at Goderich place for a few years, and we would always chat with Don in the hallways or on the street during his daily walks. Kathryn’s mother lives in Goderich place now, across the hall from Don’s room. We enjoyed listening to him play the trombone, and the last time Kathryn saw Don (a few weeks ago) we was very much enjoying a chocolate ice cream drumstick in the dining room. I am sad to hear of his passing, but know that he is in a better place with his beloved wife. Hugs to the family. From the Adams