Bill Millar

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Bill Millar, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2017 at The Meadows, Swift Current, SK with family by his side. William “Bill” Hugh Millar was born December 10, 1928 in Uren, SK to Hugh & Dorothy Millar. He was raised on their farm homestead south of Chaplin, SK in the Droxford area. These were difficult years, with it being the start of the Dirty Thirties, and Bill losing his father — he was only two years old, his brother, Ken, was eleven, and his sister, Lena, was seven. Following his father’s death, the family remained on the farm, with his mother raising three young children alone. Bill’s siblings were a big influence on his upbringing. During those years, there were many good visits with their neighbors — playing cards and enjoying musical gatherings. These neighbors often helped with the farming. His mother later moved to Trail, BC to join Earl Crawford and life improved for the family. His younger sister, fondly nicknamed Daphine, was born at that time and she was a joy to Bill and all the family. Earl helped Bill get a job at Moyne Garage, where, at fifteen years old, he fixed tires and was given the responsibility of putting out the money float in the morning. Bill had always been very mature for his age, and seemed to relate better with the older generation. He met his wife, Ivy Menke, at Esther School dance and they were married on October 28, 1949. They finally settled on a quarter section of land, located north of the homestead. They spent their first winter in the Woods Trees and then, with the help of neighbors, they moved the house to their land and built the farm where they raised their two children, Clinton and Rita. It was a mixed farm with a fine herd of Charolais cattle that grew into a family farm, which his son Clinton and his grandson Clayton presently farm. It was during those early years of farming that he took on extra work, such as driving the school bus, where he was responsible for transporting some thirty students to and from Chaplin for ten years. He took on the role of RM Councillor for twenty-three years, participating in various projects. Bill & Ivy square danced in Chaplin, Courval, and Hodgeville and enjoyed this activity for over twenty years. He was a very personable fellow who took an interest in others and their lives. He enjoyed a good meal, and the company and sociability that went with it. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling and hearing a good story. He developed a special bond with Clint & Darlene’s boys, Ryan and Clayton, and enjoyed seeing his grandchildren grow up at the farm, watch them ride horses, and participate in the local 4H club. Bill & Ivy would often travel to Calgary, AB to visit and sometimes camp with Rita & Dave, and their children, Alison and Kevin. He enjoyed many family outings with his grandchildren, along with summertime on the farm. He was always very proud of his grandchildren. He had great devotion to the farm, and farmed into his eighties. He always felt privileged to farm beside his son and grandson. Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ivy Millar; his children, Rita (Dave) Beal and Clinton (Darlene) Millar; his grandchildren, Alison (Kevin) Carter, Kevin (Ashley) Beal, Ryan (Tina) Millar, and Clayton (Kimberley) Millar; his great-grandchildren, Tatum and Tylinn Millar; his sister, Gloria “Daphine” (Willy) Allen;  sister and brothers-in-law, Irene (Chris) Bender, Larry (Ann) Menke, and Lance (Karen) Menke; and by many nieces and nephews from both the Millar and Menke family. He was predeceased by his parents, Hugh & Dorothy; his step-father, Earl Crawford; and by his siblings, Ken (Ivy) Millar and Lena (Benny) Hughes.

A private family Graveside Service was held on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Droxford Cemetery in the Chaplin District. A Celebration of Life is planned for June 17, 2017 at the Millar Farm. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Meadows House 14 in Swift Current for their care of our father and support during his passing. We also wish to extend our gratitude to the families whose loved ones are housed at House 14. 

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