NEW GLASGOW - Michael (Mike) Joseph MacMillan, age 67, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in the Aberdeen Hospital on Friday evening March 4, 2016, surrounded by friends and family.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, he was the son of the late Carroll and Pyrtle (Noonan) MacMillan. He graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish in 1970 with a Business Degree. He furthered his career with a Masters in English Education. His passion was teaching where he taught Grade 11 English along with various other subjects at New Glasgow High School for 32 years.
He was involved in various groups and organizations in the community. He was a past Chairman of The Library Board, a former member of The United Way, current Vice President of The Eastern Angling Club. He was also a member of the Social Justice Committee of The Diocese of Antigonish and Council of the Churches of Pictou County. He was a Fourth Degree Member of The Knights of Columbus and also a member of the Cursillo Group.
He spent much of his time volunteering at The Glen Haven Manor and Shepherd’s Lunch Room. He was heavily involved in his church community of Saint John the Baptist Parish where he started as an altar server 60 years ago. He continued to serve his parish lending a helping hand when needed. He was very well respected and a friend to many and known by many others in the New Glasgow Community. He will be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humour; love of the great outdoors; spending many weekends fishing with the guys at Cooee Coffre; and his walks along The Sampson trail with his “Best Friend” Sheila.
He looked forward to his trips to visit his “Sudbury” family. He adored and cherished spending time with his grandchildren Ethan, Ella, and Eric. He spent countless hours pushing swings and sliding on slides, doing puzzles and playing many games of basketball as “The Wizard” with the “Ethanator” enjoying every second but winning very few.
As a proud son and daughter, he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our DAD taught us to “reach for the stars,” love unconditionally, take things one day at a time, and above all "Enjoy Life to The Fullest.” He will be remembered by his children as an “angel of spiritual hope” and “The Butterfly that always has wings to soar!” He forever will be in our hearts and prayers.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Sheila; his son Craig (Matthew); daughter Sherry (Mike) Crepeault; grandchildren: Ethan, Ella and Eric; sisters: Donna (Jim) MacLean and Eileen Kelly; mother-in-law, Jean (MacGillivary) MacKenzie; brothers-in-law: Gordon (Helen) MacKenzie; Doug MacLeod; sisters-in-laws: Isabel (Louis) Bonaparte; Beverley (Gordon) Chennell; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by father-in-law Clarence MacKenzie and sister-in-law Marilyn MacLeod.
The Family will be having visitation on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the R.H Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 at Saint John the Baptist Parish at 390 High Street, New Glasgow, with Father Tom MacNeil and Father Don Boudreau officiating. Donations in his memory may be made to Knights of Columbus or Shepherd’s Lunch Room. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca