Obituary for
S. Reuben Mills
MILLS: Samuel Reuben passed away peacefully on May 18, 2018 in Winnipeg. He is lovingly remembered by son Alan (Sherrel) of Hendersonville, North Carolina; daughter Vivian (Arnar) Palsson of Winnipeg; grandchildren Tyler (Jackie) Mills of Regina, Kari (Tim) Ferozedin of Regina, Jordan (Raelynne) Mills of Wilcox, SK, and their mother Merle Tuplin of Regina; Brady (Jennifer) Palsson of Petersfield, MB, Janaya Palsson of Winnipeg; great grandchildren Treyton & Kruz Ferozedin; Aubrey, Brjnn & Laughlin Palsson; sister Isabelle Mills; sisters-in-law Eva McLean, Sophie McLean and Jean Willey; as well as nieces and nephews who were all loved whenever they visited. The farm was a special place for many of them; such as Calvin Kulynych who returned twelve times to help with harvest.
Reuben was predeceased by his wife Iris; infant daughter Edith; son, Byron (aka David Emerson); parents Sam and Bella Mills; parents-in-law Rufe and Grace McLean; sisters Agnes (Les) Groome and Ivy (Allan and Robert) Smith; brothers-in-law Murray (Caroline), Dean & Rufe McLean, Ian Willey; sisters-in-law Viola (Jack Gartner and Russell) Powell, Mavis Heath and Doreen (Grant) Shaw.
Born November 24, 1926 at the farm at Fleming, SK, Reuben became a full-time farmer after attending the local Fairfield School. He completed a term in motor mechanics in Regina and while there met his future wife, Iris McLean, at Carmichael United Church Young People’s Group. They married October 19, 1949 and enjoyed the farm life. Reuben was a continual learner and advanced with new equipment and practices. Reuben’s father was not only his teacher and partner, but his friend. In their late years, Sam and Bella Mills were able to stay in their own house on the farm with Reuben and Iris next door offering love and care. Despite the demands of a busy mixed farm, Reuben was actively involved in several organizations in the community: United Churches in Fleming and Moosomin, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Borderland Co-op, NDP, National Farmers’ Union, Motoh Van, Seniors’ Drop-in Centre, and more committees as the community needs became apparent. In many, Reuben served on the executive and filled the responsibility of chairperson. With the NFU, he traveled to Ottawa to lobby the government on behalf of farmers’ concerns. He took on these civic responsibilities with a view to making the community and the country a better place. Whether neighbors agreed with him politically or not, he was respected; such as a time during a membership drive for the NFU, the canvasser was told by a neighbor, « If I was going to buy a membership, I would have bought one from Reuben years ago. » Long before Google and You Tube, Reuben was well-known as a person who could fix things. If a part wasn’t available, he made one; and his friends appreciated his welding skills. He was an electrician, carpenter, plumber and mechanic. He was proud of renovations to the house on the farm, especially the built-in china cabinets. Reuben was also a good listener – add counselor to his list of skills. He appreciated being able to travel and shared stories of the people and places he visited. Highlighted trips with the family were Expo ’67 in Montreal, the west coast, and several States. He and Iris celebrated their 25th anniversary with a trip to Hawaii and among their other trips fulfilled a dream to attend Carnegie Hall in New York. He and Alan made memories with visits to the maritimes, Alaska and Yellowstone. Reuben loved people, laughter, and telling stories. When company came for a meal, conversation continued around the table long after dessert. He loved the beauty of the Pipestone Valley which was home most of his life, fondly referred to as Sunnybank. He was happy to share it by giving snowmobile rides, hayrides, wiener roasts and Sunday School picnics. The farm was sold in 1993 when they retired from rural life, moved to Moosomin and surrounded their home with beautiful flower gardens. After Iris passed away on July 16, 2002, Reuben moved to Regina in 2006 and then relocated to Winnipeg in 2011 where he spent his final years. His humor, patience, and unconditional love will be missed. Until we meet again. Interment of ashes will be at Fleming Cemetery on Friday, September 7th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at Broadway United Church, 105 Broadway Ave., Regina at 3:30 p.m.- during harvest-time, which was so special to him. Memories may be shared at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre’s website, neilbardalinc.com
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de S Reuben Mills 1926 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
