Stewart N. MacMillan

MacMillan, Stewart Norman, age 92, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2015 with his wife by his side at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Bldg, Camp Hill Hospital. Born in Dartmouth in 1923 second son of the late Verna (Coupe) and Peter MacMillan.

Following school he worked with CN/Via Rail retiring in 1980 with 40 year’s service. In 1943 he enlisted in the West Nova Scotia Regiment of the Canadian Army and served in World War II in Belgium, France, Germany and Holland. While overseas he transferred to the Algonquin Regiment based in North Bay. Following the war he travelled to North Bay for several reunions and to Holland for four liberation celebrations.

In 1954 he joined the RCAF and was stationed in Resolute Bay and Lachine – was discharged in 1957 and returned to his job at CN. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #95 Bedford for over 55 years serving in various positions and was honored to receive a life membership. He was a Past Master of Ad Astra Lodge #130 and until recently was very active in masonic functions.

He was active in many sports – boxing during war days, bowling, coached Minor hockey and baseball in Bedford as well as track and field. His main interest was track and field where he completed in long-distance events throughout the Maritimes. He went on to coaching several athletes and further to officiating. He could be seen at the Antigonish Highland Games in his MacMillan kilt and red ball cap starting races. In 1988 he was the first Nova Scotian to be inducted into the Wall of Honor in Ottawa for track and field officiating.

He further went on to work with Special Olympians where he was fondly known as “the man with the gun” for starting races. In 1983 he became Bedford’s first Town Crier – a position he enjoyed to the fullest travelling to England, across Canada and parts of the United States as the ambassador for Bedford until he retired in 2013. In 2005 he was honored to be given a Life Membership in the Nova Scotia Guild of Town Criers.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s United Church where he served as an elder, usher, read lessons and was a member of the Hymn Singers men’s choir. He was a member of the Provincial and Federal Liberal Associations and worked with many candidates over the years. A very outgoing person he loved people and he was the recipient of many awards over the years.

He is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Dorothy (Bennett); grandson, Colin (Melinda); two special great grandchildren, Shane and Laughlin MacMillan and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by son, Ronald, brothers, Kenneth and his wife Irene, Malcolm and Fraser as well as his sister, Kaye and her husband Donald Beals.

Special thanks to the staff of 3V West VMB for their care and support over the past seven months and in particular the last three weeks and to Rev. Kevin Little for his visits, prayers and support. You will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 6-9 pm Monday, August 17 at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Service will be held at St. Andrews United Church, Coburg Rd Halifax on Tuesday, August 18 at 11:00 am with Rev. Kevin Little officiating. Reception to follow. Burial in Brookside Cemetery, Bedford. Family flowers only. Donations to a charity of your choice.