Master Corporal Justin Mills, CFB Borden, Ontario
January 10, 1989 – December 24, 2020
“We’re here for a good time, not a long time – so have a good time, the sun can’t shine every day.” Those song lyrics describe Justin well. Although he was only here for a short time, he packed an unimaginable amount of love, kindness, and adventure into those 31 years. He is one of the most sincere and humble people you could hope to meet.
Words cannot describe the unfathomable anguish that we have experienced by Justin’s sudden passing. The world has lost an incredible human being, a person filled with integrity, bravery, kindness, compassion, sincerity, and humility. Justin had an engaging personality and a genuineness about him that blessed him to easily be able to make friends. Regardless if you were his seatmate on a flight, or any other random place you’d come across his path, you automatically had a new friend or at least some funny entertainment while on your travels. That’s just who Justin was.
As a child, two things were obvious from a very early age: he had a great sense of humor and he was a protector. He was always standing up for kids that were picked on at school and he would befriend them. If anyone messed with them, they were going to have to deal with Justin. This is a trait he carried his whole life, always advocating for the vulnerable, always a protector. We pretty much knew that when he grew up, he would be a firefighter, police officer, or comedian, based on those strong personality traits.
To his colleagues, he was known as a great firefighter, Master Corporal Justin Mills. To us, he was the best son and brother we could have had. Justin is survived by our mother, Tena Cormier, myself his sister, Lisa Hardy (John), his girlfriend, Jenn Meisner, his aunt Doris Mills, aunt Kim Cormier, uncle Tom Cormier, uncle John Cormier, grandfather Mel Cormier (Mary), half-sisters Angela Weber Conlon (Joe) and Carol Tanner, great aunts and uncles, too many cousins to mention, although he had a great bond with cousins Cec E Mills Jr., and his beloved cousin, Kate Campbell. He was predeceased by his aunt Donna Cormier, his grandmother Annie May Cormier, and several friends and other family members, whom we are sure he is with on the other side.
Justin loved his fire brothers and sisters and cherished his time at CFB Greenwood. He had joined the 45 Field Engineers at the age of 15, and then the regular force at the age of 19, as an Airforce firefighter, and later as an instructor at the fire academy. He served in Romania and spent time in Alert. He enjoyed his work travels, and especially relished in his leisure travels.
Justin was blessed with some amazing friends, Brendan Howe, Devon Steele, Doug MacLeod, Ryan Roberts, to name only a few. The list goes on and on and is far too long to name. You all know who you are and how important you were to him.
Justin was always doing good deeds, not telling anyone or seeking praise. He was frequently giving money to random strangers who looked like they could use a helping hand, and once, literally the jacket he was wearing. He’d often give items he’d be wearing, to less fortunate folks he would meet. He also has a soft spot for animals, constantly taking in strays, feeding raccoons, a wolf in Alert (which we now know is not allowed (ha ha), and pretty much any creature. In addition to all the animals he has saved over the years, it is important to note that some of his good deeds included saving several human lives, both on and off duty.
It is difficult to describe 31 years of such an impactful life into an obituary, but those who knew Justin knew who he was and what his character was, and that’s all that matters. If you were a part of Justin’s life in any way, thank you.
I cannot begin to express how much happiness Justin has brought to our Mom and I, from the day he was born. We find comfort because we know that we will be together again. Until then, be at peace, and see you on the other side.
If you would like to honor Justin’s memory, please lend a helping hand to someone who is struggling, or defend the vulnerable. We realize that a lot of first responders will be reading this and because of your bravery, you are subjected to things that can have a long-lasting impact. Please advocate for yourselves, if you need help.
A private service will be held, as per Covid restrictions, will be invite only. Once Covid restrictions lift, we will then send Justin to his homecoming with an Irish wake. Details on this to be determined at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we would ask that any donation be made to your local SPCA or Humane Society. Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Justin Mills 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia