Bruce MacMillan

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce MacMillan at home with his family by his side on Wednesday, October 8, 2014. Bruce was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 5, 1924.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Peggy; children David (Cheryl), Brian (Valjean), Janice Steadman (Mark), Bill (Monique Marcker); grandchildren Lauren, Michelle, Graeme, Brittany and Katie MacMillan; Meghan MacMillan; Jessica Steadman; William, Christopher and Alexander MacMillan; and Emma Curry.Dad was also blessed with a great grandchild Dylan who never failed to make his blue eyes shine.

He is predeceased by his parents Louis and Annetta and his daughter Gail.

Although Dad was born in Winnipeg, he spent most of his early years in the maritime provinces. Following the Second World War, in which he was a pilot with the RCAF, he attended Queen’s University in Kingston, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Dad spent his entire working career with James Richardson and Sons Limited and is very appreciative for his long relationship with the Richardson family. He joined the firm in 1949 and served in the Toronto grain office and later at Topnotch Feeds in Seaforth Ontario. In 1965 he was transferred to the head office in Winnipeg. Dad rose to become President of Pioneer Grain Ltd and, in 1988, he became Chairman of Pioneer Grain and Topnotch Feeds. He also served as the Chairman of the Canada Grains Council and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange.

Dad will be remembered for his love of family and great sense of humour. He loved his time with his buddies; golf at St. Charles, curling at the Winter Club, hunting and being a member of the “Mousetrap” Club. His favorite pastime, however, was the family cottage on Clearwater Bay which Mom and he purchased in 1977 to keep the family close. Dad spent many good times there with his children, grandchildren and friends. He loved swimming, sailing and the running the kids around on the lake with tubes, water skis and wake boards. The neighbours often asked if he had shares in Imperial Oil.

Dad’s good natured humour will long be remembered by his family, especially during their time at the cottage. He was famous for his water gun wake up call for Sunday morning breakfasts, as well as pushing anyone standing on the edge of the dock into the lake. On one occasion, his daughter Gail turned the joke around, convincing Dad that he had recently been appointed Commodore of the Clearwater Bay Yacht Club by presenting him with a very official looking letter. The look of panic on his face was priceless, as we could see him thinking of managing the club and making official rulings on races. These thoughts clearly terrified him, given his complete lack of sailing experience. Gail let him believe the trick for half an hour or so before explaining the ruse to him.

Dad was very well taken care of for a number of years in the comfort of his home. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to our caregivers: George, Linda, Anita, Hilda, Riszanne, Seble, Ted, Gideon, Sam and Tina. Also, to Maggie for helping us manage the care.

The funeral service will be held at St. Andrews United Church, 255 Oak St, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Tuesday, October 14 at 3 pm. Reception to follow. Private family interment prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ALS Society of Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba.