Obituary of Alexander MacMillan

It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family of Clair MacMillan (beloved husband, father, and grandfather) announces his sudden passing on October 1, 2015 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. He died peacefully, surrounded by love. Born on May 25, 1924 in Boiestown, NB, he was the son of the late Allister and Frances (Kinney) MacMillan. As a teenager, he joined the RCAF and trained as a wireless operator, though he never saw active duty due to the end of the war. Clair graduated from Dalhousie University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. It was in Halifax where he met his future wife, Lilian Swain, whom he married in 1951. They moved to Fredericton to work and raise a family. He became a chartered accountant and started a small accounting business in the basement of his home which expanded through decades of hard work. In 1978 he partnered with his son, Sandy, to form MacMillan & MacMillan Chartered Accountants. He enjoyed his work and continued going into the office until the age of 85 years. Clair was an active member of several service clubs over the years including the Nashwaaksis Y’s Men Club, Alexandria Lodge, Shriners, The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew and the Fredericton North Rotary Club. He especially enjoyed being picked up by members of the club and taken to the weekly Rotary meetings, as recently as two weeks ago. He was also a long time member of Nashwaaksis United Church. He loved to spend time with family at their cottage at Robertson’s Point on Grand Lake and looked forward to annual family reunions there. In his spare time he enjoyed playing the bagpipes, tending to his rosebushes, socializing with his friends at Windsor Court, doing crossword puzzles and golfing. He was an enthusiastic water-skier until age 79 and an avid photographer. He enjoyed exploring the world and he and Lil travelled extensively including trips to the Caribbean, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. They also cruised the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. He took his family on many road trips to North Bay, Pittsburgh, PEI , Miami and to Expo67. His family meant more to him than anything and he was devoted to them. In 2011, Clair and Lil celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. He is survived by his four children, Sandy MacMillan (Liz Richard) of Fredericton, John MacMillan of Toronto, Scott MacMillan (Meredith Ralston) of Halifax and Joy Howie (Jamie Howie) of Fredericton, five grandchildren, Allison Michaud (Troy Michaud), Tiffany Tozer-MacMillan, Kristine Howie, Robert Howie, and Adam Howie, step grandchildren, Julie Grant (Chris Grant) and Adam Richard, one step great grandson, Nikolas Grant, brother Floyd MacMillan (Ruby) of North Bay, brother in law, John Swain of Halifax and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Lilian, in 2013 and by his sisters Ruth MacMillan and Grace Spencer. The family would like to thank the staff of Windsor Court where Clair lived for the past two years. We will always be grateful for the kindness extended to him. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, on Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will take place at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 2 pm with Rev. J.D. Kennedy officiating, and Rev. Gil MacKenzie assisting. Interment will take place in Sunny Bank Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com