MILLS, LEE ALBERT HARVEY THE BARD OF OROMOCTO has laid down his pen. There was a strength within his blood and bone. As though the passing years would mark him less. Than others of his breed. Like granite stone. Amid soft shale, he weathered storm and stress. Time carved few furrows in his patient face. We dared to dream such strength was permanent. A tempest tore a tall tree from its place And left an empty hill-top - thus he went. "The Great Man" from Brush Fire Embers by Lee Mills (1985) Lee Albert Harvey Mills, Waasis, departed this life for a better place, on October 6, 2008, at the Oromocto Public Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind his own true love of 58 years, Isabel (Agnew); his only daughter, Eva Nash, Traceyville; his sons, Nelson, Fort MacMurray, Alberta; Allison (at home); Carman (Marylynn), Robin (Shianne) and Steven (Shannon), all of Rusagonis. He is also survived by his much loved grandchildren: Heather Nash; Jody Claus; Sonya Player (Gyula Kajari); Jennifer Claus (Brad Jackson); Jason Mills, Victoria Mills, Amber Wilson (Kelvin); Ben Mills; Celeste Mills; Aaron Mills; Adam Mills; Joshua Mills; Jerrica Mills; Abigail Mills; Rebecca Mills and Marissa Mills; great-grandchildren Sasha, Brittany, Billy, Mitchell, Kaylyn, Carter, Ava, Emma and Samantha, and nieces Judy and Heather. He was predeceased by parents, Albert and Emma (Astley) Mills; sisters Selena Charters, Lois Truswell, and Edna Mills, and his infant great-granddaughter, Aleshia Claus. Lee was a good and faithful servant who worked hard all his life. He was faithful to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to his church, where, throughout the years, he exhorted and encouraged others with his teachings, stories and songs. He was a true storyteller and prolific writer. His philosophical voice was often one of metaphor and allegory. His poems and short stories for children were published in local newspapers. His first book of poetry, The Wake of Silence, was published in 1967. A second book, Brush Fire Embers, was released in 1985. He was first dubbed THE BARD OF OROMOCTO by the late Jim Coulter who often read his poems on radio. Lee was born in Haneytown, March 23, 1923, and lived most of his life, except for a brief time in Juniper Station, in the Oromocto area. He worked for many years for Oromocto Property Developments. He was a member of the Army Reserves during World War 11 and worked at Base Gagetown when it was being built in the early 1950s. Lee's endearing sense of humor and whimsy was evident even in his final days. He loved to entertain children and would make up characters changing his voice for each one. He also loved to photograph people and scenes from nature and was rarely without a camera. In his younger years, he loved to fish, play his harmonica, Jews harp and guitar, and challenge someone to a good game of Scrabble. In his later years, playing with his cat, Charlie 111, as he and his own true love listened to gospel music or a preaching tape, was one of his favorite pastimes. THE BARD OF OROMOCTO will be missed but his words live on. Lee's remains will be resting in his home church, Works of Faith Assembly, 965 Route 655 Hwy (Old Waasis Road off the Nevers Road). Visitation will take place, Wednesday, October 8 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 2 pm with Rev. Ivan Carr, Lee's friend and pastor, officiating, assisted by son Carman. Interment will follow at Rusagonis Station Cemetery, Sunpoke Road. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bishop's Funeral Home. www.bishopsfuneralhome.com