Robert W Millar

Beloved husband and Father, Robert William Millar, passed away on March 2, 2020 at the lovely age of 91. Devoted and loving husband for 63 years to Elizabeth (“Samm”), and Father to four grateful and proud children. Bob, an only child, was born on May 18, 1928 in Orange, New Jersey, raised in Connecticut, and has lived in Florida since 1971. Predeceased by his parents, William F. Millar of Isle of Bressay, Shetland Islands, and his Mother, Elinor Millar of Sandwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. He often referred to himself as a proud Son of Shetland. He left high school to join the service during WW2 at the age of 17. When he left the service at age 21, he returned to high school to complete his education, and then acquired his college degree from the University of Bridgeport. He served in the US Navy from 1945 to 1949 on the USS Albemarle, and observed the Enewetak and Bikini Atoll atomic tests from the decks of his ship. While in the Phillipines during his tour of duty, and sitting on the beach with a warm beer, he vowed to one day live in the tropics where he could sit in the shade of a palm tree with a wee dram of scotch, and dream of days at sea.

No man’s life can be reduced to a paragraph or two of adjectives and adulation. There aren’t enough words available, and Bob’s life had much more meaning than ink on paper. He was kind, faithful, gentle, firm, and a role model for so many. He loved a glass of single malt scotch, jazz music, a party, football, coaching little league baseball, golf, reciting the poetry of Robert Burns, serving as a Commodore for the Palm Beach Sailing Club in the 70’s, sailing to Green Turtle Cay Bahamas in the summer for vacation, sailboat racing, cruises, and travel to his ancestral home in the Shetland Islands. He adored his wife Samm and their children, and the cornerstone of their life together was to be good parents, be good to others, and be good to one another.

He made his dream of living in Florida a reality in 1971, by scooping us all up from New England, and heading South. The trajectory of all our lives changed with that one decision. Receiving our educations, meeting our spouses, having children, and making careers and choices because of the confidence instilled in us by our parents of what’s possible. Bob spent most of his career as a Sales Manager with the Fortune 500 Company A-MP. He opened offices in California and Florida, and was named A-MP’s Salesman Of the Year.

Bob was also a devoted son to his Father and Mother. After his Father passed away in 1973, Bob remained committed to the care of his Mother until her death at the age of 108.

The true measure of a man is not only how he is regarded by his family, but also by his friends, co-workers, and neighbors, and he was truly loved by everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Millar, four children, Michael (Pixie), Bonnie-Jean (Harold), Robin (Nicolas) and Robert, Jr. (Traci), 11 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, beloved cousins in Florida, and from Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Scotland and the Shetland Islands, and countless friends. No funeral services are planned. Family and friends will gather at the Millar home for an evening to share their memories of Bob, and honor his life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.