We are devastated to announce the passing of our husband,father, son, brother, soldier and good friend after a short, yet intense battle with cancer. Through it all he remained a truly compassionate, intelligent,funny and kind man. We will miss him beyond words.
Ray and Leanne were married for 27 years. They have four amazing children, for which Ray was a loving, active and involved dad. He was born to be a father.
Ray was born in New Waterford. From an early age, he had a keen interest in anything military. From his toy soldiers to his military models, the signs were there that soldiering was in his blood.
Ray joined 45 Field Engineer Squadron at the age of 17. Over the last 34 years, he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and became the Regimental Sergeant Major of 36 CER. Ray truly loved the army life, the opportunities to learn and help others. With all his skills and knowledge gained over the years, he was a great leader and mentor to countless sappers.
While working with 45 FES, he developed lifelong friendships with Steve Currie, Chris MacDonald, Chad Gale, Mike LeMoine and numerous others. He was deployed for missions and exercises across Canada and into the U.S. His most significant missions were the Swiss Air Recovery, the Ontario Ice Storm and the Hurricane Juan Cleanup.
At the time of his passing, he was employed full-time for the Nova Scotia Health Authority as a Buyer. He enjoyed his job and the friendships he created during his employment. Since 2015, Ray has served as a V.P. of CUPE Acute Care Local 8920. He helped many of his fellow CUPE members through challenging situations, handling many grievances and complaints with respect, care and compassion. This position expanded his already broad network of friends and acquaintances across the country and provided him with an opportunity to fuel his constant need to learn from a whole new perspective.
In what little spare time he had, he volunteered as a coach for Sydney Minor Hockey and Whitney Pier Soccer. Ray took great pride in every young person he coached, seeing potential in each and every one. He also served on the Board of Directors for Whitney Pier Soccer.
Ray was an avid Military Scale Model Builder,participating and placing in many competitions. He made many lifelong friends through this hobby. Ray had a great knowledge of modern military history,sports and so much more. He was the guy you wanted on your trivia team. He was a true Calgary Flames fan and he loved a good card game or board game with family and friends.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Leanne (Ingraham),originally of Margaree Valley; his four children, Katie, Jocelyn, Jacob and Owen; his mother, Elizabeth”Betty” MacMillan; sister, Cathy MacPhee and children, Zachary, Chelsea and Luke of New Waterford; mother-in-law, Joan Ingraham and partner, Earl Vickers of Margaree Valley; sister-in-law, Andrea(Shane) Ross and children, Kallie (Alec), Callum, Karys and Corson of Clydesdale; brothers-in-law, Joel (Alana)Ingraham and their children, Dylan and Jared of Windsor, ON and Jordan (Ruth) Ingraham and their children, Maddie,Caedmon, Ainslie and Griffin of Middle Sackville.
Ray was predeceased by his father-in-law, Stanley Ingraham and brother-in-law, Joseph MacPhee.
One of Ray’s final wishes was to thank everyone who provided care during his illness. Thanks to each and every one!
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26 from 2- 6 p.m.at Sydney Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 27 at 3 p.m. at the Victoria Park Armouries in the Coriano Building, 10 Garrison Road, Sydney, with Father Padre Patrick O’Neill officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to CB Metro VON or Palliative Care.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
CHIMO!
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de CWO Ray Charles MacMillan CD 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia