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Eric Russell MacMILLAN

Eric Russell MacMILLAN Eric Russell MacMILLAN

Age 95, Upper Onslow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 5, 2019, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro, he was the oldest son of the late Russell and May (Sawler) MacMillan. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Camilla; sister, Kathleen Edgett; beloved uncle, Murray (Treva) MacMillan. He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen “Kaye”; brother, Philip, Dartmouth; adopted children, William “Bill”, New Brunswick; Cindy, Alberta; cherished niece and nephew, Gail (Allan) Fraser, Hampton, New Brunswick; Keith (Margaret), Consecon, Ontario. Having moved as an infant with his parents to the United States, he received his early education in Lynn, Massachusetts. After returning to Brookfield in 1936 and then to Truro, he attended Willow Street School and Colchester County Academy. During the Second World War, Eric joined the RCAF and when overseas transferred to the RAF Bomber Command, Squadrons 178 and 199, receiving his commission as Flying Officer in 1944. Returning home in 1945 Eric joined his mentor, the late Harold Goodspeed, in the automotive business where some years later he became a co-owner. Eric spent his entire working years in the business and he also became involved as a limited partner in the Future Inns chain of hotels with several locations, previously in the Maritimes and currently England and Wales. Active in community affairs, he served on numerous community boards, including Council Member of Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Aid Society, Director on Colchester County Hospital Board, Past President of Truro Kiwanis Club, life-time member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, charter member of Truro Horsemen’s Club and member of Air Force Association, Masonic Lodge and Trinity United Church, Onslow. In Eric’s own words, “During my later years I spent considerable time involved initiating the striking of a Campaign Medal recognizing “Bomber Command” I had been in constant contact with the Prime Minister of Canada; His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnson, Governor General of Canada; Chancellor of Honors and in writing to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The request was left with the Interdepartmental Honors Committee with the assurance of contact in due course. To my surprise, I did receive thank you letters indicating a positive response from both Her Majesty the Queen and Sir John Holmes. After all channels were exhausted, I wrote a brochure “Bomber Command”; the book was 20 years in the making with correspondence to Ditchley Foundation, Ditchley Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire and numerous other air force locations in the United Kingdom. Should it ever become a reality that a medal for Bomber Command be struck, it would be my personal request that the medal feature profiles of His Majesty King George VI in his ‘Air Force Blues’ and Princess Elizabeth in her ‘Khaki’ uniform. Also stipulating one other item; the medal should be for all ranks and trades for all personnel who served overseas. Proud we are to be part of the Mother Country!” We extend our most heartfelt thanks to all the staff members at Colchester East Hants Health Centre who attended to Eric, Dr. Bruce Phillips and Heather and to all those dedicated and caring VON nurses. Special thanks to our dear neighbours, Ken and Sharon MacLean, who have always been there and to our forever loving ‘Girl Friday’ Pauline and her family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where a Legion Tribute Service will be held 1 p.m., today, Thursday, August 8, 2019, conducted by members of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., today, Thursday, August 8, 2019, Reverend Valerie Kingsbury officiating. Reception will follow. Private family interment in Brookfield Westside Cemetery. If so desired, donations in Eric’s memory to Colchester Branch of VON or Colchester East Hants Health Centre would be deeply appreciated. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Eric’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

 

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