Dear Bill,
My heart goes out to you and your family now. You must let your wounds bleed and then heal in their own time. I cannot even begin to comprehend your loss. Y&&single&&know, at an intellectual level, yes I understood what would happen as this terrible disease progressed, but like a freight train barreling down towards me, I never quite believed that MY friend could die from this. Not Susan. No way. Anybody but Susan. She was too good, too altruistic, too giving, too beautiful to succomb to cancer. I believe she shared her traits of being tolerant and humble with many people, including me. She taught by example, with grace, dignity, and respect for others.
Please take comfort in your family and close friends now, and celebrate Susan&&single&&s life as she wished. Everyone who was blessed and fortunate enough to spend time with Susan will understand this.
I miss Susan terribly, but promise you I will continue to appeal to the big guy up there, and my guardian angel (my Dad), to watch over her and take care of her until we&&single&&re all up there too.
Love and warm hugs to you and your family,
Kathy

Sincere sypmathy to Dr Bill and family on the loss of a dear wife, mother and grandmother. Thank you Bill for your kindness shown to me by coming to the house when my husband died in July. I am thinking of you at this difficult time. Lorraine Noakes (Riegling)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. Another light of life has gone out!

We had the privilege of knowing Susan as patients during your practice here in Owen Sound and while making her yearly visit to my office. Susan never failed to make us laugh and her smile was infectious. She always made me feel a little happier after talked to her.

The Morris Family,
Tom, Carol, Jeff and Todd.

On behalf of the East Coast cousins, I extend my sincere sympathy to Bill and family. Growing up,our Blakney cousins were years older and many miles apart. However when I married a Walkerton, Ontario &&single&&boy&&single&& in 1982, I was able to reconnect with Susan. I fondly remember our visits over the years and the parallels of our professional,working lives. Despite the fact that there were often years between visits, there was never any awkwardness The ease of our time together was a testament to the strength of Susan&&single&&s character. She was engaging, warm, genuine and gracious.
I used to like to tease Susan, by reminding her that I was the favourite grandchild of Nanie Blakney. Truth be told, I think we shared that position.
I will treasure her memory in my heart, in the special place reserved for Nanie and Aunt Marion. Charlotte Blakney Reddon

Marcia and I remember fondly our days together with you and Susan in Hamilton in the Family Practice Residency. We always found Susan not only very friendly but dynamic and forthright. We have followed your joint careers over the years in Owen Sound and numerous locations farther afield with little envy but lot of pride. Marcia remembers her several visits with Susan in Owen Sound and always returned with admiration for Susan and all her activities. Our heart felt condolences go out to you Bill and your family. Marcia and Michael Pascoe (Toronto)

My deepest sympathy Bill to you and your family. I will not be able to make it on Friday, but I wanted you to know that we are thinking of you.

Sarah,
Steve and I are thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. Your Mom was am amazing person, I have many fond memories of her from my time spent at your home during public school and high school.
Don&&single&&t forget we are not far away please call if you need anything.
Our deepest sympathy.
Andrea and Steve.

Our dearest friend Bill and family,I was really rattled when I read about Susan..I am so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of a very beautiful person..You know how much she helped me,and the love my family had for her.I won&&single&&t be able to make it on Friday,but my love and prayers will be with you and the family..I am so numb and really lost for words..Please take care, Sincerely, RAY BUTTINEAU and FAMILY

My dear friend Bill, and Family, I am so numb after reading about Susan. Please accept my deepest sympathy..She helped change my life 28 and half years ago,and we always stayed friends..She was such a beautiful person..I hurt so much,I can&&single&&t write no more..My prayers and thoughts are with you and family..I can&&single&&t make it on Friday,but down the road, I hope to visit..Take care my friends,Love,RAY BUTTINEAU and family

Bill, Stephen, Michael and Sarah,
We extend our most sincere sympathy in the loss of Susan. We have many, many fond memories of her love for life. She was a truly amazing person. She lit up any room she entered with that big smile.
Hard to imagine she is gone now.
Sincerely, Archie and Mary Dickson

On behalf of her colleagues in York&&single&&s Graduate Programme in Women&&single&&s Studies, I write to extend our condolences to you.

Susan was in the first MA class in 1994. Her MRP is called “Gender-Biased Language Degree Nomenclature”. She pointed out that the existing degree titles are masculine refering to men only and she was one of those who was instrumental in getting York to change the degree names to include feminine versions. She was an excellent student and made a significant contribution to the programme.

Dear Dr. Milne,
We read with sadness of the passing of your much loved wife Sue, and we know how great a loss this must be to you and your family. Seeing in the announcement that you have grandchildren makes us happy, as we know firsthand the joy they can bring. We are so sorry for your loss and hope all of you are surrounded and supported by dear friends.
– Carl and Sheila Balls formerly of Owen Sound, now of Flesherton

Bill – We are so sorry to hear of Susan&&single&&s passing. Those that go
before us may be out of sight, but are not that far away. Blessings
and love to you. I hope we may meet again some time you&&single&&re up this way.

Bill: You are in my thoughts as you struggle to deal with your loss. Over the years I have not seen you and Sue that often but I will always remember Sue&&single&&s zest for life and her remarkable ability to make even a stranger feel like an old friend. I hope that in time the pain will be overtaken by all the great memories that you have of 43 years together. Anne

Dr. Milne & family

Our thoughts ands prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Treasure the memories.

Fran & Ian Smart

Dear Bill & Family,

We want you to know our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Susan was a strong and delightful person. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.
Please accept our most sincere condolences

Linda & Gord Edwards

Dear Dr Milne,We are so sorry to read of the loss of your beloved wife Sue.We never met but we are sure she was a wonderful woman.To have lived a full life is a great achievement and hers were many.The greatest gift is family and we are pleased that she had Grandchildren that she got to know and love.Our hearts go out to you and your family.Love Barb and Gord Brough and family

—– Original Message —–
From: “Steve Irvine”
To: “Stevenson Farms B&B”
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:17 PM
Subject: Re: Susan&&single&&s Servi

So very sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

Dear Dr. Milne,
Even though we haven&&single&&t had the pleasure to see you in recent years, we have thought of you often. You played a very large part in our lives over the years. Our heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family in these very sad times. “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much”

Susan was a very special person that will always be remembered and missed by our family. Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.

Susan and my mom, Pat, were friends for over thirty years. I have been blessed with friends that hopefully will be in my life for as long and with whom I will be as close. My first memories of Canada are as a four-year-old in Susan&&single&&s Owen Sound kitchen, with a teenage Stephen kindly entertaining me. In my first year at Queen&&single&&s, I went to the Milne&&single&&s for reading week, during which Queen&&single&&s alumna Susan essentially locked me in the house with my textbooks to ensure I studied. (I did & graduated, ha ha). I am grateful to Susan and the Milnes for being part of my mother&&single&&s life and mine, and my love and thoughts are with them and the Bourns during a time in which Susan&&single&&s presence is so painfully missed and obvious. For me, it is comforting to know that her keen eye and unconditional love is now an omnipresent energy available and beneficial to all of us.

SOME PEOPLE COME INTO OUR LIVES AND QUICKLY LEAVE,SOME STAY FOR AWHILE AND LEAVE FOOTPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS AND WE ARE NEVER EVER THE SAME.-FLAVIA. Sincere sympathy Bill and family in the loss of your dear Susan, -Judy Tomkins.

Bill, Stephen, Susanne, Arthur and families;
We first met Susan through her work with Big Sisters in the early 1980&&single&&s. Any time we saw her after that, she always had a smile and a warm hello. She will be sadly missed by all those who had the privilege to know her. You will always have the memories of a life well lived.
Our sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

My deepest condolences. There is little else to be said at sad times like these.

Please accept our condolences at this time. Your family is strong in gving and receiving love – share your memories with each other
Take care

Dear Bill,

We were so saddened to learn of Susan&&single&&s untimely death. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Because our families lived so many miles apart I did not have the opportunity to get to know Susan well, but I do have a few fond memories of her. The first being when she was a small child and she came to visit her Grandparents in Petitcodiac, she cried continuously for days because she was so homesick. Many years later I remember how her sense of humour helped us cope with the ordeal of staying in a Motel with no amenities (the only place available) at the time of the death of my mother (her grandmother).

We believe Susan saw Life as an adventure and always met challenges head-on. The first time we met you was in Banff, when you, Susan and three small children were starting out on a journey around the world. We remember the excitement and anticipation as she talked about the numerous countries you would be visiting in the coming months. Susan obviously accomplished much and touched many lives, ours included.

Our thoughts are with you and family as you mourn the loss of your beloved Susan..

Phyl and Gordon

Dear Bill Steven Mike and Sarah My thouhgts are with you all at this time, Susan was a good friend many a canoe trips I remember with fond memories, especially when we were rock climbing and to help me up the rocks she had to sit upon alittle green snake, only a true friend could do that and not say a word. I will never forget your Mom and that little snake. I often use that story when demonstrating what a true friendship means or how important team work is. I will be hiking on the Bruce trail on Saturday for the “Hike for Hope&&single&& which some friends from London and i do every year, Susan&&single&&s name will be on my name tag and she will be in my thouhgts. You all will be in my thoughts in the next while, hopefully see you at the cottage sometime. Mary Lynne.

Dear Dr Milne: Please accept my sincere sympathy at this sad and difficult ime. I am keeping you and your family close in my heart as you mourn the loss of Susan. May your many happy memories help to ease your sorrow. In sympathy, Mary Caldwell, Owen Sound

Dr Milne so so sorry on the lost of your wife my prayers are with you and all of your family i remember your son in Anne of Green Gable he is a split image of his father also you are the best Doctor I ever had and both birthdays on December 29th Take care

Bill: Cate and Barb would like to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Due to previous family committments we are unable to join in person for the service; however, wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. All the very best. Cate and Barb

Susan was a special person; we will miss her. Our thoughts are with you all.

Dear Stephen and Sarah and family,

I had the pleasure of running into your mother at the Roxy when she was visiting 2 years ago in Owen Sound. We shared some laughs over Stephen “smoking” in the classroom during French class. We remembered Sarah as much more studious and Mike was the basketball player. Bill would remember Peter from Parker&&single&&s.

When I said good bye to your mother she gave me a big hug and I now pass that hug on to you and your family with our heartfelt condolences. Shirley Holmes and Peter Rissi

Dear Sarah:

I have just heard about the death of your mother. Please accept my deepest sympathies to your family. I do understand the feeling of loss that comes from losing a mother or father too early in their lives. We can only cherish the wonderful memories not based on years on earth but based on gifts they have so generously given us in their all too short lives. I can only tell you that as time goes on, you will experience some days filled with wonderment how they continue to guide you by what they have taught you over the years. As you now begin your own life as a mother, you will feel your mother&&single&&s touch in how you care and love little Ethan. She will always be with you.

Susan Pouget

I wanted you to know that there are not many days that you are not in
my thoughts. And it&&single&&s been that way since we all first met. There
have been throughts rolling around in my head about you and the family
and I wanted to share them with you…

I remember the first time I met your crazy, wonderful family. Sarah
had her hair in long braids. It was a pool party. Sarah and I became
fast friends… We were two skinny little girls with long brown hair
and vast imaginations. She took me up to her brothers&&single&& room to show me
their cool things. Until we got into trouble.

I always loved visits to your house. The doorway full of big shoes.
The living room that greated you right away – the fireplace crackling in the winter. The warm kitchen with the red counter. The sunroom full of games.
GINGER! Sarah&&single&&s pretty bedroom with all of her riding awards. Christmas season. Lots of food. The big schedule on the fridge. Playing farm animals in the attic bedroom with Sarah.

And the cottage. A little paradise for me. I can close my eyes and
smell it. And walk through each room. Another magical place for me.

I know every family has hard times and troubles, but to me, your home
was a dream come true. The family love, the wonderful chaos, the
laughter, the coming and going of friends. I loved to be there and
just soak it all in. And although for a lot of years I was shy, I felt a part of it all. Through so many years where I felt awkward and lost,
I had a place where I could be me and that was good enough. I don&&single&&t
know if you realize how huge an impact your family had on me and what happy times and escapes you provided me with through the years. And an
example of a loving, stable family in times when my own life felt very unstable. Of course the on and off times I had a crush on Michael made things less comfy for me, but that&&single&&s ok! ; )

Susan – you have always been an example of strength and goodness to
me. Honesty. Standing up and fighting when you need to. Truly a hero in my wide, scared girl&&single&&s eyes.A
0 Do you remember when I had body image issues in university? I called you first. I knew you would help me.
And you did. And when I came home from Vancouver, you were there. And when I had the fire and breakup… You&&single&&ve been an angel to me so many times. And I know I&&single&&m only one of many many many girls and women you have had such an impact on. I adore you. I love you. And I thank you.

I love you ALL so much: Susan, Billy, Sarah, Michael and Steve… and am SO greatful for all of the many gifts you have given me. No matter what, to this girl, your family has always been a safe place of magic and love.

All my love,

Dawn

Hi Bill: Diane Matheson sent on to me the very sad news of Susan’s passing. My heart grieves for you and your family.

You will be front and center in our prayers.

I have always been so deeply grateful to you and Susan for all the time and care you offered to United Church Health services and the people we are trying to serve. Thank you and Susan. We will get the word around about her passing. Presbytery is meeting here today and tomorrow and there are folk from Prot Simpson and Bella Bella here who will also hold you and Susan close in their prayers.

Gratefully and sadly
Peter Newbery

Dr.Peter Newbery, MDiv, MD,CCFP,FCFP
Clinical Professor Emeritus, and
Director, Enhanced Skills Programs, UBC Dept. of Family Practice

In Loving Memory
Of
“Susan Milne”

September 17, 2009

This day we remember a friend oh so dear; she brought to this world a heart so sincere.

A mother a wife; a nana and friend, our memories of her; shall never end.

She loved with a passion; her needs very few, she gave from the heart to all those she knew.

We bid you adieu and offer our love; to Susan our friend who looks from above.

We hope you will save a place by your side, for that is where we plan to reside.

Watch over your family with the Lord up above; and forever receive our unending love.

Dr.Milne, thinking of you and your family at this difficult time!

Dear Dr. Milne and family,
It has been a long time since we have seen you, Dr. Milne, and its unfortunate that we are re-connecting under these circumstances. We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife (and mother and grandmother) Although words cannot mend a broken heart, words can encourage you as you walk through these difficult days, weeks and months ahead. Please know that we will be praying for you as you all deal with this incredible loss and you will be close in our hearts during this time. We have been living in London now for 9 years and would love to be able to connect with you somehow. We really miss you and our kids are so grown now. We have heard that your one son is a teacher here in London so maybe we can try to connect with you through him. Please feel free to e-mail us or call us anytime. (519-641-3738). Hold each other close and walk through this together. Thinking of you and praying for you……..
Love Dave and Deb Stranks and family

Dear Bill and Family,

We are all saddened at the news of Sue&&single&&s passing. She was the perfect neighbour, always available, always reliable, and interested in all facets of life at Little Red Bay. I looked forward to visits with Sue. She &&single&&said it like it was&&single&&, and didn&&single&&t waste time on trivia. I will miss her terribly. I do hope for many years to come you will continue to be our perfect neighbours, and we&&single&&ll try and keep the noise down to a dull roar.

Sincere sympathy from us all,
Helen and Family

Dear Bill & Family, Please accept our sympathy at this very sad time. With Susan&&single&&s passing, a light has truly left this earthly life. In our memory, Susan was always brimming with energy, ideas, and caring; and your time together, spent in service and compassion especially for those who had very little advocacy of their own, was certainly a striking lesson for many of us. Bill, thank you for all you have done with Susan by your side, fully engaged with a life of giving to some very underprivileged people. Susan was always a hero to many of us. In friendship and with love, Ovid and Verona.

This donation is in memory of Susan Milne, in support of Mike Milne and family.

Denise Strachan
Mike Bates