Lewis Mills

LEWIS MACLEOD MILLS Dad passed away peacefully in his favorite chair on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Born April 25, 1919 in Fort Macleod to Joe and Mary, he was the youngest of 10 children and lived in Wiggin (now Coalhurst) while growing up. His childhood was not an easy one, losing most of his siblings from tragic events and his mother when he was 17. His father, who often walked in from the Coalhurst farm for a visit, passed away in 1962 at the age of 93 while in mom and dad’s care. Dad was allowed to attend school till grade 8, then it was time to earn his keep. He worked on farms doing all kinds of jobs, planted fir trees, set pins at the bowling alley for 2 ½ cents a frame, and was a cook’s assistant. Around that time he learned morse code which came in handy when he enlisted in World War II and served first in Signals then transferring over to Artillery. It was only later in life that Dad was able to share stories of the hardships of the war. He was awarded several campaign medals and in 2015 received France’s highest medal of honour (Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur) for his participation in D Day. After the war, he married Janet Scott Ireland in 1947. They raised 2 daughters: Diane (Randy) Duffy and Faye (Kevin) McKenna. Mom stayed at home while dad worked at the Sick Lethbridge Brewery until his retirement in 1984 after 38 years. He was looking forward to attending the yearly picnic at the end of August. Mom passed away on June 1, 1972 but Dad had fulfilled her dream of going to Hawaii that January. They often had friends over playing cards and they enjoyed bowling and organizing the local league. Dad spent all kinds of time creating fun trophies. He also loved darts at the Army and Navy. Dad was a smoothie on the dance floor. Fridays would see him and his wife at the Legion or Army and Navy if there was a good band. He loved a good bargain and spent time scouring the papers for weekly grocery items. He firmly believed in saving money to purchase anything. Nothing was bought on credit so shank’s pony was the means of transportation until they had enough for a vehicle which found Dad, Mom and Diane all trying to pass their driver’s test. Collecting was another passion. Pins covered his hat to the point where it became too heavy to wear and then he’d buy another hat. His coin collecting had us all involved in sorting, while his collection of wind- up toys and musical stuffies amused all the grandkids. The salt and pepper shakers numbered well over 500 pairs, all on display. He had a wonderful green thumb for flowers and the garden was large and plentiful. He loved watching hockey, football and curling and thoroughly enjoyed the simple things in life. Even when his eyesight failed him, he sat close to the TV to listen and was up on all the latest games and game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Listening to the golden oldies of his record album collection made his days enjoyable as well. Dad enjoyed the humor of the Norman Rockwell prints he had covering his walls. Pets were always in our home, Teger being the last constant dog companion. One of the first members of the LSCO, he loved going to the Senior Center every day for his grilled cheese sandwich and enjoyed the staff and friends that would chat him up. He was also a long time member of the Army and Navy and the Legion. At one point in his life he was the president of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council. Dad was a responsible, hard-working, family man, taking in mom’s parents for most of their lives after they sold their farm in Saskatchewan. He was passionate about any projects he would undertake and quick to help out anyone. He was very easy going, never complained, accepting what life handed him and bouncing back from many health issues over the years. He just kept on going. A very independent guy who liked a good chuckle. At 97 he still had an excellent memory. If we ever forgot someone’s name or wanted information, we could always ask him because he would know. Dad married Gladys (Jensen) Lane from the Crowsnest Pass in 1974. She had 2 grown daughters, Gail and Sherry. Sherry had a set of twins and triplets (Sean, Joel, Lisa, Lori and Andrew) who resided with them for a while. Gladys and Dad were able to enjoy travelling during his retirement until she passed away in 2006. Besides his daughters and their husbands, and the above step-children and step-grandchildren, he is survived by 4 grandchildren: Brad Duffy (Emilie), Cassie (Micheal) Bukatka, Jain McKenna (Craig), and Jesse McKenna (Meagan). As well as 3 great-grandchildren: Brynlee, Symon and Joshua Bukatka and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Grandson Jeffree McKenna and the rest of his generation. We want to acknowledge the Lethbridge Family Services that came to the home to assist. His last morning was spent with one of his favourite care givers. To the many people and businesses who provided services that allowed Dad to stay in his home especially Dr. Collin Walsh, Carol Hudson, Mary Gaye, and the Veterans Independent Program, we appreciate you so very much as did our Dad. He always said, "Go to the Legion and have a beer on me." So in keeping with those wishes, we invite friends and family to come and celebrate an amazing, gentle man. On August 30, 2016, from 1 -4 pm, drop in, share a story and a laugh at the Royal Canadian Legion in Lethbridge. Dad, who was Papa to his grandkids, had a long life well lived, in his own house to the end, just as he wanted.

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