Rev. Jack Mills

September 15, 1931 to October 13, 2016

Jack and his twin sister Elva were born to John and Matilda Mills and their older brother Ivor in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the depression years. Jack's character was shaped by his early involvement in the Life Boys and Boys Brigade movements and by his immersion in Woodvale Presbyterian Church.

He had started a promising career in the oil industry when a profound call to the ministry changed his life entirely. He entered university and theological school as a mature student and always asserted that every minister should have experience working in the secular world.

His degree at Magee College in Londonderry and Trinity College, Dublin was followed by theological education at Assemblies College in Belfast. After serving as a student assistant at Great Victoria Street Presbyterian Church in Belfast, he took up his first pastoral charge at Kells and Eskylane, Co Antrim. Along the way, he met the love of his life, Betty Campbell, with whom he would have children Karen, Brian and Colin.

Jack and Betty's lives were to change direction dramatically when they were unexpectedly called to Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Calgary and then once again when called to Fairview Presbyterian Church in Vancouver. Even after his retirement, Jack was pleased to serve again at St. John's Presbyterian Church, White Rock.

Jack's steadfast character was leavened by his sense of humour. He was pastoral, gentle, constant and compassionate. He was diligent and hard-working for all his congregations, each of which he loved. To his family, he was sweet natured, supportive, interested, playful and loving. His grandchildren adored him. In his last illness, Betty cared for him competently and selflessly.

Jack is survived by his wife, Betty, his children Karen (Paul), Brian (Isobel) and Colin (Letty), his grandchildren, Kelvin, Megan, Benjamin and Peter. He was predeceased by his brother, Ivor, and twin sister, Elva but survived by their children, Bentley, Elva, Michael, Rory and Claire. Special thanks should be given to the stellar staff and physicians on unit 3 North at Richmond hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fairview Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or to the Richmond Hospital Foundation.

A service of thanksgiving for Jack's life will be held at Fairview Presbyterian Church, 2725 Fir Street, Vancouver, BC on October 22 at 2pm