Joseph "Joe" (Joey, Joe Mac) Sinclair MacMillan

Joseph "Joe" (Joey, Joe Mac) Sinclair MacMillan of Chilliwack, BC, passed away peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital on June 27, 2026, after a life filled with adventure, curiosity, and unwavering determination.

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, in August 1935, Joe attended Mount Carmel School and learned the watchmaking trade from his father, Joe T., before joining the Royal Canadian Navy at age 19. During four years of service, he travelled the world and collected stories he loved to tell throughout his life, his favorite being attending Mass at the Vatican celebrated by the Pope.

While stationed in Halifax, Joe met the love of his life, Irma (Cormier), on a blind date. They married when he was 23 and returned to Cape Breton, eventually settling in Beaver Cove, where they raised their family of four girls. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and adventure, sharing an extraordinary 68 years of marriage.

To us, he was simply Dad.

To dad, family meant everything. Whether camping, fishing, skating, snowmobiling, swimming in the Bras d'Or Lakes, or simply enjoying a picnic, he created memories we will cherish forever. Camping trips were made even more special by his famous bacon-and-eggs breakfasts cooked over a Coleman stove.

Dad approached everything with determination and enthusiasm. Whether he was cross-country skiing in the Cape Breton Highlands or returning to golf after nearly 30 years and scoring a hole-in-one on his very first hole, he excelled at whatever he set his mind to.

A lifelong entrepreneur and craftsman, dad managed jewelry stores, taught himself how to build clocks, and served for many years as a resident caretaker. True to his lifelong curiosity, he also mastered web design, stained glass, and painting, quickly becoming accomplished enough to sell some of his artwork.

Dad never let Parkinson's disease define him, continuing to kayak until he was 83. Wherever his next adventure has taken him, we hope it includes calm waters, plenty of lobster, lemon meringue pie, and all the chocolate he could want.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Irma; his daughters Linda (Bruce) of Halifax, NS, Sandra (John) of Fort Erie, ON, Colette of Chilliwack, BC, and Nancy (Jeff) of Langley, BC; his grandchildren Andre of Cochrane, AB, Leslie of Wallaceburg, ON, and Leisha (Jamie) of Wallaceburg, ON; his brothers Michael (Cindy) of Dartmouth, NS and Raymond (Bev) of Trenton, ON; his sister Theresa (Bob) of Salmon Arm, BC; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Margaret (MacGillivray); his sister Isabel and her husband, Russell (MacNeil); his brother-in-law, Bob (Jobe); and his beloved nephew, Doug.

As per dad's wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Emergency Department and 5 North at Chilliwack General Hospital for their compassionate care, to the Home Support workers from Chilliwack Home Health for their invaluable assistance over the past three years, and especially to Dr. Tompkins and Dr. Tanha for their exceptional care, kindness, and dedication.

He taught us by example to work hard, stay curious, embrace new adventures, and love deeply. We will forever miss his stories, his laughter, and the example he set for all of us.