Donald Stone McMillan

Donald Stone McMillan passed away peacefully at Eagle Park Care Facility on January 20, 2019, just shy of his 98th birthday.

Born in Qualicum Beach, BC on February 4th, 1921, he is predeceased by his wife Nancy, brother Jack, parents John Hilliard and Lura Belle, and beloved stepmother Lucy Rebecca.

Don is sadly missed by his children, Patricia, Bruce (Wanda), Sharon (David) and Mark (Shelley); grandchildren Janice, Tara, Evan, Matthew, and Emma; loving relatives and valued friends.

Don was a pioneer in the Dashwood area, his parents having arrived in Qualicum as homesteaders in 1913. His mother, from New Jersey, had been a nurse in the US Navy. His father, a steam engineer, was from Guelph, Ontario. Don met his wife, Nancy, while she was working in the Village Theatre box office and they were married in 1950.

Don and his brother Jack were accomplished woodsmen and builders, and together they established McMillan Bros. Logging Company and Dashwood Mills. During WWII their lumber was used in the war effort, shipped out through the east coast to Britain. Though his work varied in nature over the years, Don was in the woods for the rest of his working life, only stopping in his 80’s when he broke his hip in a bicycling accident while riding from his home in Qualicum to work at Horne Lake.

Over the years, Don used his energy and skills in support of his community. He was a Village Commissioner in the early 1950’s and donated his time, expertise and building materials to projects such as the waterfront promenade; the Curling Rink, and the Qualicum Beach Airport landing strip. A long-time supporter of the Rotary Club, Don became a member in 1974 and exemplified the Rotary Club’s motto: Service above Self. He also held a leadership role at St. Mark’s and helped with building improvements and establishing the annual Flea Market.

Don really enjoyed meeting new people and had many enduring friendships throughout his life. He and Nancy hosted Rotary International exchange students from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Argentina and the Philippines, and many stayed in touch over the decades. While not a fan of international travel, he loved to learn about different cultures.

The family extends special thanks to: the caring staff and volunteers at both Eagle Park and Arrowsmith Lodge; Island Health home support and care providers; Dr. John Dalla Lana and Dr. Hugh Fletcher; the Rev. Elizabeth Northcott and other visitors from St. Mark’s; the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach; the friends and neighbours whose visits always brightened his day.

A service will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Qualicum Beach on March 30th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach, P.O. Box 92, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7

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