Ian C. MacLellan

Ian C. MacLellan, President & Owner of Mills Brothers Ltd, the Atlantic Canadian iconic fashion department store for 89 years, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, October 15th, 2017 after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July.

Born in McAdam New Brunswick to Charles Gordon MacLellan and Margaret Elaine Craig on August 16,1941.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Jane (Mills) of Halifax, his three daughters ,Kathryn ,Heather and Janet MacLellan (Joe MacDonald), and his grandchildren Gianna and Mateo Giovannetti, his brother Eric (Maureen Mitchell) ,sister Carla (Barry Taylor) and nephews Richard MacLellan (Jennifer) Tantallon and Robert MacLellan (Kristen), Carolyn, Christopher and Greg Taylor, all of Halifax.

Mills Brothers served four generations of Atlantic Canadians and customers often comment to this day, that Mills Brothers has always been part of their family.

Ian is best remembered as the impeccably dressed, charming, and witty Spring Garden Road merchant who worked his way up from a part time employee in 1960 - to the President and owner of Mills Brothers Limited in the early 80’s. This legacy came to an end in 2007 upon the sale of the business.

His mid career presented more responsibility at Mills Brothers, and he loved travelling to Europe, Montreal, Toronto and New York City.

These trips were with the store buyers, his daughter Janet, and Jane. They brought back beautiful goods to their Halifax customers.

“Mr. Mac” had a remarkable and respected career for 47 years enjoying the hundreds of staff members and thousands of customers from all over Atlantic Canada and beyond. He had a most meticulous eye for detail, an impeccable sense of style, was a great photographer, loved music, and enjoyed playing the drums and the piano.

Young Ian was a wonderful ballroom dancer under the tuteledge of Gunther Buchta.

A car enthusiast who happily drove his daughters, and their friends all over the city, in his spotless vehicles.

A history buff and an avid reader, he was extremely proud of his heritage and ancestry, whose ancestors arrived on the Ship Hector in Pictou, NS. He loved a great game of golf with his father and his friends, who were always impressed with his natural swing and feel for the game.

Ian believed in giving back to the community and was a board member of The Waegwoltic Club , The Spring Garden Road Business Association and the Halifax Board of Trade. Mills Brothers was a great supporter of local fundraising for The Mental Health Foundation, The QEII Foundation, Symphony Nova Scotia, Neptune Theatre, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Ian and Jane divided their time between Halifax and the beloved family farm in Brule Point, and enjoyed spending winters in Sarasota and Long Boat Key Florida.

After his retirement he loved spending time with his “girls” and was a wonderful host to all of their friends. “Poko” , as he was named by his grandchildren Gianna and Mateo ; enjoyed hockey games, dance recitals, all events at The Halifax Independant School , the performances and artists of KAZAN CO-OP –Kathryn and Janets` theatre company, and lively dinner conversations with his grandchildren about current events; welcoming and nurturing their opinions.

He loved a good laugh, a starry night and gazing at the moon; and was a bit of a prankster . We will miss his wry sense of humour and grace. You are forever in our hearts.

The family would like to thank Dr. Anne Marie Krueger- Naug, Monica Flinn. and the Palliative Care team.

Visitation will be at Cruikshanks Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St. Halifax, Wednesday, October 18th 2017, 4:00 - 7:00pm. Funeral Service to be held at St. Andrews United Church, Halifax, 1390 Robie Street, Thursday, October 19th, 2:00pm.

If you wish, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, QEII Foundation, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“Keep smiling”