We Remember
MCMILLAN, Robert (Bob)
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
Passed away unexpectedly on August 7th, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Joyce, his daughter Sydney, granddaughter Tyra, great granddaughter Evie, sister Judy, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Robert, his brother Raymond, and sister Patricia.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1930, the oldest child in his family, Bob grew up during the depression in Winnipeg’s north end. At 13 he lied about his age and joined the Winnipeg Light Infantry where he served as a gunner until 1949. He then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as an aircraft technician and in 1959 registered as air crew and trained to be a navigator. During his 29 years of service, Bob was promoted to rank of Major and worked in Air Navigation in support of UN and NATO operations. He had postings in Winnipeg, MB; Toronto, ON; Greenwood and Halifax, NS; Summerside, PEI; Comox, BC; and Ramstein, Germany as well as shorter assignments worldwide.
In addition to his military service Bob had venerable construction skills, was a talented painter, a skillful jeweler, and had a keen eye for design. As well, he was a generous friend, helping to build houses and cabins, lending cars and tools, and offering inventive solutions to any problem. He spent much of his spare time during his career renovating the houses he bought during his postings and turned the mundane into the spectacular, adding sun-rooms, skylights, saunas, bay windows, and water features. He also wrote a number of essays on design and innovations that he sent to various government officials and corporate leaders. Many of his ideas were well received and he earned several recognitions and an award or two for his efforts.
Bob retired at the age of 48 to spend time with his family and do the things he loved to do. In 1979 he moved into his dream house by the lake in Kelowna, BC where he continued to work on home maintenance projects until his recent death. He was curious, adventurous, and hardworking to the end. He traveled the world and explored new places, ideas, and activities including boating, tennis, skiing, and at 78 he even gave rock climbing a try. His family and friends will miss his warm laugh, his quick wit, and his big heart.
A sincere thank you to Bob’s friends and family, so many of whom have offered thoughtful and incredible support. There is no memorial planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to offer something in his memory, please make a donation to one of his favourite animal charities, such as the BC SPCA or the World Wildlife Fund. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
No service by request
Sincerest condolences to family you will be in my thoughts and prayers
It has been a long time but i do remember your friendship many years ago. Please know iam thinking of you. not an easy time. maribel.
Condolences to you and your family Sydney, Your Dad was Multi-talented & lived an Amazing life by the looks of it ! I am sorry for your loss my Friend ! HUGs ! You were lucky to have had such an awesome father, & to have the Memories you do of having gotten to spend time with him like you did ! Cherish those memories !
Dear Joyce and Sydney, I find this all hard to grasp, you know that I am sharing your sadness, he was the only sibling I had left and now I feel all alone. He will surely be missed. I am hoping to come to Kelowna with Dale and Kathie and maybe I can help in some
way Love you all
So sad to hear about Uncle Bob, some of the stories he told me at our house and the last reunion were not only funny but amazing , but I Guess I should have expected that because he was an amazing Guy ! R.I.P Bob .
Aunty Joyce Syd Tyra & Evie…I am grieving with you. My thoughts and love to you all during this difficult time. I will miss uncle Bob greatly..his visits I cherish..the phone calls just to catch up.
My condolences to you.
Love Barb
Dear Joyce, We were deeply saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. We will always remember the happier days in Summerside and Comox. Our thoughts are with you and Syd and we will be in touch.
Dear Joyce,
From 407, to tennis, to funny little sailboats, to wonderful visits with you guys and Norma and Charlie… a wonderful stack of great memories. We will miss Bob, while we celebrate his life.
Love,
Francine and John
Joyce So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great guy with many talents. It has been many years since we last saw the two of you, but you are still well remembered.
Our condolences to you, Helen and Ted
Dear Joyce. Both Pat and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Bob. We will remember the great times that we had in Comox and I the tremendous support and guidance from Bob during my tenure on 407. Our condolences on your loss.
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We always enjoyed your company at WBV. Bob was one of a kind!
Our deepest condolences.
Bob and Carol Ann
It is only when we made our Christmas call did we learn of the death of Bob. We, along with our daughter Jill, are so very sad! We have such wonderful memories of the many good times we had the privilege of sharing with Joyce and Bob in Greenwood and Winnipeg and later in our homes in Arizona and Florida. He was a special friend!
Our love goes out to you dearest Joyce.
Barbara and Tom Crawford