Eric Russell MacMillan
1924-2019
WELL-KNOWN TRURO RESIDENT
PASSES
Eric Russell MacMillan – 95, Upper Onslow,
passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2019, at Colchester East
Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro, he was the oldest son of
the late Russell and May (Sawler) MacMillan.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife,
Camilla; sister, Kathleen Edgett; beloved uncle, Murray (Treva)
MacMillan. He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen « Kaye »;
brother, Philip, Dartmouth; adopted children, William
« Bill », New Brunswick; Cindy, Alberta; cherished niece and
nephew, Gail (Allan) Fraser, Hampton, New Brunswick; Keith (Margaret),
Consecon, Ontario.
Having moved as an infant with his parents to the United
States, he received his early education in Lynn, Massachusetts. After
returning to Brookfield in 1936 and then to Truro, he attended Willow
Street School and Colchester County Academy. During the Second World
War, Eric joined the RCAF and when overseas transferred to the RAF
Bomber Command, Squadrons 178 and 199, receiving his commission as
Flying Officer in 1944.
Returning home in 1945 Eric joined his mentor, the late
Harold Goodspeed, in the automotive business where some years later he
became a co-owner. Eric spent his entire working years in the business
and he also became involved as a limited partner in the Future Inns
chain of hotels with several locations, previously in the Maritimes
and currently England and Wales.
Active in community affairs, he served on numerous community
boards, including Council Member of Chamber of Commerce,
Children’s Aid Society, Director on Colchester County
Hospital Board, Past President of Truro Kiwanis Club, life-time member
of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, charter member of Truro
Horsemens Club and member of Air Force Association, Masonic Lodge and
Trinity United Church, Onslow.
In Eric’s own words, « During my later years I
spent considerable time involved initiating the striking of a Campaign
Medal recognizing « Bomber Command » I had been in constant
contact with the Prime Minister of Canada; His Excellency The Right
Honourable David Johnson, Governor General of Canada; Chancellor of
Honors and in writing to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The request
was left with the Interdepartmental Honors Committee with the
assurance of contact in due course. To my surprise, I did receive
thank you letters indicating a positive response from both Her Majesty
the Queen and Sir John Holmes. After all channels were exhausted, I
wrote a brochure « Bomber Command »; the book was 20 years in
the making with correspondence to Ditchley Foundation, Ditchley Park,
Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire and numerous other air force
locations in the United Kingdom. Should it ever become a reality that
a medal for Bomber Command be struck, it would be my personal request
that the medal feature profiles of His Majesty King George VI in his
‘Air Force Blues’ and Princess Elizabeth in her
‘Khaki’ uniform. Also stipulating one other item;
the medal should be for all ranks and trades for all personnel who
served overseas. Proud we are to be part of the Mother
Country! »
We extend our most heartfelt thanks to all the staff members
at Colchester East Hants Health Centre who attended to Eric, Dr. Bruce
Phillips and Heather and to all those dedicated and caring VON nurses.
Special thanks to our dear neighbours, Ken and Sharon MacLean, who
have always been there and to our forever loving ‘Girl
Friday’ Pauline and her family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where a Legion Tribute
Service will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019, conducted by
members of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, followed by the
funeral service at 2 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019, Reverend Valerie
Kingsbury officiating. Reception will follow. Private family interment
in Brookfield Westside Cemetery. If so desired, donations in
Eric’s memory to Colchester Branch of VON or Colchester East
Hants Health Centre would be deeply appreciated. Private messages of
condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Eric’s
obituary on-line and selecting « Send A Condolence » at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Eric Russell MacMillan 19242019..
Décès pour la Ville: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia