John Edward Mills

Born in Armdale, Nova Scotia, to Marion Gray and Walter "Piv" Mills, John was the eldest of six children, followed by Mary, Ronnie, Marilyn, Susie, and Pat. He often said there wasn't much money in the home where he grew up, but there was an abundance of love. Just next door lived his lifelong friend and chosen brother, William "Mick" Ryan, whose friendship remained constant throughout John's life.

John's love of the water began long before it became his life's work. As a boy, he and his father built a hydroplane in the family basement, and he proudly towed his younger sister Mary across the lake on an old door. Those early adventures hinted at the passion that would shape his future.

After dropping out of Halifax West High School following Grade 11, John stocked shelves at Sobeys on Quinpool Road, saving up enough to buy his first Mustang: A Mach1 Fastback. Shortly after, he began his marine career with Air Sea Equipment. He married his high school sweetheart, Belva in 1969. A few years later, determined to go out on his own, and armed with only $2,500 from selling the lot where they had planned to build their home, John took the biggest risk of his life and founded Sea Pro Services.

In the early years, John became the ultimate road warrior. With nothing more than a Ford, an Atlas map, and an unmatched work ethic, he travelled fishing ports throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick collecting life rafts for servicing out of his second location in Saint John. In 1986, he took another leap of faith, relocating Sea Pro to its waterfront home on the Bedford Basin/Wright’s Cove in Dartmouth. What began as a marine safety business steadily grew into one of Atlantic Canada's largest marine dealers, Seamasters Services Limited. His greatest professional pride came not from the business itself, but from welcoming his children, Tara and Chris, into it. Watching them build upon the foundation he had created, growing the business to 5 marine and powersport locations became one of his life's greatest rewards.

While John worked hard, he was equally committed to living fully. Summers were spent on Sherbrooke Lake seeing how many water skiers he could pull at once, cruising the harbour on his boat Seanne, or loading up the truck camper and taking the family to Oxford Plains Speedway. Winters brought snowmobiling adventures with family and friends at Sutherland’s lake, and yearly trips to "Snow White” in New Brunswick.

He treasured the friendships he built through boating and sport fishing, and as a founding member of the Nova Scotia International Tuna Tournament, he helped create an event that has raised nearly $800,000 for the IWK Foundation while bringing countless anglers together for camaraderie and a worthy cause.

John was more than a businessman—he was a mentor and a father figure. Over 47 years, many employees became family. He never missed a chance to sit at the lunchroom table, share a laugh or offer advice. He was fiercely loyal, deeply generous, and always willing to invest in people who earned his respect.

In his later years, he lived for his grandchildren Julia & Sam (Tara), John & Isaac (Chris) - he often cited them as his greatest motivation to live and fight his terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer- which he battled for 9 years. He fought like a champ, and his stubborn streak kept him alive to make many lasting memories with them. He took every opportunity to bring them out on the water, and helped instil a love for marine adventures and fishing. He showered them with love and affection, with a smile on his face as he watched them interacting on special holidays at his home in Gold River. He considered it his job to spoil them, and they had no objections to it.

John will be remembered for his quick wit, unwavering optimism, and his belief that every day held the promise of another adventure. He had a saying for almost every occasion. "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it," he often reminded those around him. After any memorable experience, tasty meal, or nice sunset- his highest praise was simply, "It was phenomenal." Even in the face of illness, he chose hope over despair and lived every day with purpose.

John leaves behind his beloved wife, Belva; his children, Tara (George) and Chris (Sheila); his cherished grandchildren, Julia, Sam, John, and Isaac; his siblings, extended family, many lifelong friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched through his business, his mentorship, and his generosity.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his oncologist, Dr. Ravi Ramjeesingh, surgeon, Dr. Scott Livingstone, general practitioner, Dr. David Robertson, and the exceptional ICU team at South Shore Regional Hospital, especially nurses Shannon, RN student Grace, and Amanda whom he cheerfully serenaded with Waylon Jennings' Amanda during his final days.

His story was never just about building a successful business. It was about building a life—one filled with family, friendship, courage, generosity, and a love of the water that carried him through every chapter. His wake is wide, and his legacy will continue to guide all those fortunate enough to have travelled beside him.

Cremation has taken place. The family extends a warm welcome to all who knew him, to join in a phenomenal celebration of his life: He will take one last boat ride. His ashes will arrive at the dock of the Saraguay House, Thursday July 16th at 5pm, 2310 Purcells Cove Road. Words of remembrance at 5pm, with a reception to follow.