Archibald Millar

July 10, 1928 – January 27, 2017

Archie at age 88, passed peacefully at Rest Haven Lodge in Sidney BC.

Archie was born in Alsask, SK, the only child of farmer Alexander Millar, of Scotland, and wife Fern Anna (Rideout) of Undine, New Brunswick.

He was predeceased by his two eldest sons Thomas Alexander Millar “Tiny” (age 55); and Robert Emil Millar "Bob” (age 46). Bob is survived by his partner Diane Allan, granddaughter Cheryl Allan; great grandchildren, Alexander and Deanna.

Archie is survived by his daughter Fern Edith Noreen Evers “Noreen”, her ex-husband Wilhelm Evers “Pim”, and their children Benjamin, Soni and Wilhelm, and his great grandchildren Valin and Saphira He is also survived by his son, Donald Norman Millar "Don" and grandsons Corwin and Jordan.

Archie was also beloved father and cherished grandfather for 29 years to Colleen’s children; Russell, Laurel and her husband Steve McIntyre and their children Nadine and Kaitlin; Calvin, his wife Sun Condy and their children Samuel, Gloria and Benjamin; and daughter Catherine, her partner Fredrick Denis and their children Tarun Ghose and Maia Jade Denis.

Archie and his parents moved to Victoria, BC when Archie was a child and he considered himself a Victoria native, graduating from Vic High in 1946. While not interested in his Dad’s horses, he loved his parents, steam, the iron horse (railroad), planes, photos and travel. In later years he held a steam ticket and would travel to various exhibitions to run – or fix - farm steam machinery. He loved all steam (engines and trains) and was a lifetime member of the Vancouver Island Model Engineers – where he was the boiler inspector for many years.

Archie was the last surviving signatory for the incorporation of the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society, on the property donated by the Mitchell Family in Saanichton. Archie was president of the SHAS for many years and was instrumental in the construction of the Whistlestop and the Chapel; the moving and rejuvenating of the old Sidney Schoolhouse; the building of the Newman Boathouse and the acquisition and maintenance of many of the artifacts on the property. In addition he spent many years building and maintaining some of the scale model trains on the property.

Archie had a 37 year career with BC Tel – Island Engineering Division. He retired in 1988 and spent his retirement years volunteering with the Town of Sidney, SHAS and VIME. He married Colleen (nee Large) on June 25th 1988. They traveled to Palm Springs for many years and loved RV'ing at Island View Beach, travelling the Island and BC in their 5th wheel. Archie loved boats, planes and trains so their adventures took them on Caribbean cruises and to almost every air and train museum in North America. He was an avid amateur photographer and his slide shows of his travels were remarkable.

Archie health and eyesight deteriorated significantly in his later years, but Colleen with her admirable determination cared for Archie for many years in their beautiful home in Sidney. He enjoyed his final year at Rest Haven Lodge in Sidney, where Dr. Wray and the staff cared for him with such loving care and kindness - for which his family is very grateful

As per his wishes, Archie was cremated in his engineer’s outfit. He requested no formal funeral service but asked that an informal gathering be held in the spring, at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society for his friends and associates to celebrate his life.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society.