Carleton Lamont “Monty” MacMillan
1934-2020
Carleton Lamont MacMillan, better known as Monty, passed away
peacefully at the South Shore Regional Hospital on June 20, 2020, just
a few days shy of his 86th birthday.
Monty grew up in Baddeck, Cape Breton. His heart never left Baddeck,
even though adulthood led him to a rich and fulfilling life in Halifax
and Western Shore/Mahone Bay. His Cape Breton roots gave him a deep
appreciation of family, friends, and the importance of community,
which he embraced and developed no matter where he resided.
Monty was an outgoing and colourful character, always harbouring a
glint in his eye as he fired out one of his endless supply of one
liners. He had a gift for putting people at ease, and for making and
keeping friends. He would give you the shirt off his back if that
would make things right. Unfailingly kind, gracious, generous, loyal,
a mischief-maker, and an entertaining storyteller – all words
that describe Monty to a T.
He had a “go big or go home” attitude towards life, and
excelled at every hobby he pursued, whether it be scuba diving,
fishing, beer and wine making, woodworking, ham radio, photography,
motorcycles and writing, to name a few. But Monty loved nothing more
than singing and playing his guitar. He had a beautiful tenor voice
and was just at home around the campfire as he was at a party, or in
his church choir. He passed his deep love of music down to his
children and “theirs to theirs.”
Monty was a graduate of Horton Academy in Wolfville, Nova Scotia
(1951), Acadia University (1957) and the Dalhousie University School
of Medicine (1962).
As a young practitioner with a growing family, he joined his father
(Dr. CL MacMillan, Senior) in Baddeck for 4 years looking after his
community. Affectionately known as Dr. Monty, he cared for his
patients like they were his own family.
Later he returned to Halifax and completed training in Radiology and
Musculoskeletal Imaging. He taught and mentored hundreds of medical
students and residents and they learned from his strong work ethic,
compassion and determination. He was highly respected by his
colleagues and by faculty, staff and students at Dalhousie
University.
In retirement (1996), Monty and his wife, Diane worked tirelessly in
the Trinity United Church community and the Mahone Bay Centre, helping
with anyone or anything that needed support. He was an active member
of the South Shore Medical Retirees group and he never missed a Horton
Academy reunion.
Monty was diagnosed with advanced heart disease at a young age. He
inspired everyone with his determination to overcome multiple
surgeries, and to live well in the face of infirmity and mortality.
In the past year especially, he fought valiantly to overcome the heart
condition and ensuing complications that ultimately overtook his
defences.
Monty is predeceased by his mother, Ethelean MacMillan (nee Parker);
his father, Dr. Carleton Lamont MacMillan, Senior; and his sister,
Connie Johnson (Gaye).
He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Diane MacMillan (nee
Rankin); his brother-in-law Gaye Johnson; his four children: Kim
(Ron), Jennifer (Surinder), Kier (Celeste) and Ian (Cheryl); and by
his children’s mother, Jeannie MacMillan (nee McLellan).
He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kaely, Chelsea, Olivia,
Breagh, Brin and Bruce; by Breagh and Brin’s mother, Linda
MacMillan (nee Radway); and by five great-grandchildren: Charlie,
Benji, Georgia, Luqa and Jackson.
We, his children, are grateful for the magical childhood Dad gave us
on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. His grandchildren will
never forget the rides he gave them from his lap on the lawn tractor
or in his boat. We hope that someday his great-grandchildren will
come to know his generosity, integrity, and his legacy of friendship,
community, and a life well-lived.
We thank all of the staff at the South Shore Regional Hospital who
provided Monty with such compassionate and attentive support in the
last months of his life. Special thanks to Dr. Everett Weagle for his
ongoing care of Monty over the years.
Given the current gathering restrictions, a private family funeral
will be held for Monty. If pandemic conditions permit, a Celebration
of Life will be held in Baddeck at a later date.
Donations may be made in Monty’s memory to Trinity United
Church, Mahone Bay or the South Shore Regional Hospital,
Bridgewater.
Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral
Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
(902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca
Please be advised that our business office is temporarily closed to
the general public until further notice.
Unfortunately we are not able to receive memorial donation payments at
this time.
Your memorial donation may be sent directly to:
Trinity United Church
PO Box 481
101 Edgewater St.
Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
South Shore Regional Hospital
c/o Health Services Foundation of the South Shore
90 Glen Allen Drive
P.O. Box 492
Bridgewater, NS B4V 2X6
Tel: 902-543-8065
Our Professional At Need and Pre Need Services continue to be
available by appointment by calling 902-624-8241.
Throughout your daily lives, please practice “Physical
Distancing” … the length of a hockey stick away from each
other. Wash your hands with soap and water often or use hand
sanitizer if necessary. Do not touch your face, eyes or nose with
your hands at any time. Above all …BE SAFE.
MAHONE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
“Founded in 1883 – Serving the Community for 137
years.”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Carleton Lamont Monty MacMillan 19342020..
Death notice for the town of: Mahone-Bay, Province: Nova Scotia